A Connecticut lottery player from Simsbury has won a $1 million Powerball prize just one day before his 60th birthday, marking a significant win for the state. The winning ticket, purchased at Pride on Hopmeadow Street, matched five white balls in the August 30 drawing. On the same day, a Waterbury resident also secured a $50,000 prize by matching four numbers plus the Powerball. The winning numbers for the October 23 drawing were 18, 37, 52, 54, 60, with Powerball 12. According to Connecticut Lottery officials, the odds of winning $1 million are 1 in 11,688,054, while the odds of the $50,000 prize are 1 in 913,130.
Main Details
The 60-year-old Simsbury winner, a regular lottery player, expressed shock upon discovering the win. “It was hard to keep a straight face when I scanned the ticket at the store,” he said. “It was pure luck.” Although he has no immediate plans for spending the $1 million, he intends to continue playing the lottery. The Pride store on Hopmeadow Street is among the state’s frequent winners, reflecting a trend of luck hitting at local retailers.
Meanwhile, the Waterbury winner purchased a quick pick ticket at Super Wines & Liquors on West Main Street in Cheshire. Matching four numbers plus the Powerball, the player earned a $50,000 prize and shared plans to save a portion and use some funds for home renovations. Connecticut Lottery officials reminded that prizes of $50,000 or higher must be claimed in person at the organization’s Wallingford headquarters. Winners are also advised to sign tickets immediately and verify numbers carefully to avoid errors.
These wins add to a growing list of Connecticut residents striking big in Powerball and Mega Millions games. Connecticut Lottery continues to see an increase in participation, particularly with jackpots climbing to high amounts that draw attention from regular and casual players alike.
Quotes & Reactions
The Simsbury winner noted, “I was stunned and delighted. I didn’t expect anything like this right before my birthday. It truly feels surreal.”
The Waterbury winner commented, “I felt lucky while purchasing the ticket. I plan to enjoy the winnings responsibly, save part, and make some improvements to my home. It’s a mix of excitement and practical planning.”
Lottery officials emphasized the importance of carefully checking tickets and claiming prizes promptly. They also reminded players that while winning is thrilling, lotteries are games of chance and should be approached responsibly.
Impact Analysis
These recent wins highlight Connecticut’s strong presence in the Powerball game and the increasing attention local players are giving to large jackpots. The Simsbury $1 million prize and the $50,000 Waterbury win demonstrate that both high-value and mid-tier prizes are actively being claimed in the state. With a separate $1 million prize from the September 22 drawing still unclaimed, Connecticut residents are being encouraged to verify their tickets.
The ongoing climb of the Powerball jackpot, currently estimated at $344 million with a cash option of $163.7 million, adds momentum to lottery participation. The excitement around jackpots significantly influences ticket sales, media coverage, and community interest, reinforcing the lottery’s role as both entertainment and a source of state revenue.
What’s Next
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday night at 10:59 p.m. EST. Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, providing multiple opportunities for players to try their luck. Connecticut Lottery officials continue to promote responsible participation and encourage players to store their tickets securely and check their numbers diligently.
The state also tracks unclaimed prizes closely. For the September 22 $1 million prize, the winner has 180 days from the drawing date to claim the amount. Such large prizes contribute to increasing anticipation for upcoming draws and maintain public interest in state lotteries.
Connecticut players and residents alike are reminded to treat lotteries as a chance-based game rather than a guaranteed path to wealth. While the recent wins are exciting, lottery participation should be fun, mindful, and strategic.
