Old Saybrook Resident and First Time Lottery Winner Claims $500,000

ROCKY HILL, CT – Frank Saunders is seeing “Gold” with his surprise top prize win, as he claimed the "Gold Premium Play" top prize on Wednesday.

The Old Saybrook resident has rarely played CT Lottery games but decided to purchase a “Gold Premium Play” ticket before leaving work, according to a release.

“I have a friend who enjoys [instant] games, he would win a few dollars here and there and I always teased him,” Saunders said in a release.

The lucky winner decided to take the top prize lump sum valued at $360,000. After revealing his top prize, Saunders wasn’t sure of what he was seeing.

“I couldn’t believe it," Saunders said in a release. "I asked the [retailer], ‘Can you explain this to me? Is this correct?’ The [retailer] said, ‘Yeah, you’re a winner!’”

With reality setting in, Saunders immediately went to www.CTLottery.org to see how late the headquarters was open.

“I have to get to the lottery because I just won a lot, I think I can make it!” Saunders said in a release. “I’m just so shocked—I still don’t believe it.”

The first time winner told his parents about his big win but is saving the surprise for his wife. Saunders was very thankful when he received his check.

“This means I now own my home,” Saunders said in a release.

He plans to pay off the mortgage and various bills. To make things even better, Saunders cheered as he realized that it was pay day today too.

For selling the winning ticket, Food Bag #509 located on 1652 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook will receive a $5,000 check from the CT Lottery.

Gold Premium Play’s $500,000 top prize is payable as a 20-year annuity or a one-time cash lump sum. Of the 5 top prizes, 3 remain to be claimed.

The overall odds of winning a Gold Premium Play prize are 1 in 3.97. The CT Lottery reminds the public that purchasers must be 18 or older, and to please play responsibly.

Image via Shutterstock.