February 08, 2010 -- Over the past 29 years as a factory line worker, Rita Bennett of Willington had certainly grown used to the same day-to-day routine of her job. Last Thursday, however, something quite unexpected occurred when Bennett purchased a CT Lottery Big Money instant ticket and discovered she was a $2,000,000 top prize winner.

After she finished grocery shopping, Bennett stopped at the Co-Op Package Store on West Main Street in Stafford and purchased a Big Money instant ticket. When Bennett saw that she had a number match, she knew that she had at least won $20; the cost of the ticket. When she scratched and revealed the $2,000,000 prize, she was stunned. “I said to myself, this can’t be right,” Bennett told lottery officials. “I didn’t have my glasses with me, so it wasn’t until I got home and checked with the magnifying glass that I was completely sure I won.”

Big Money’s top prize is payable as a 20-year annuity or as a one-time cash lump-sum equivalent. Bennett, the second top prize winner in the Big Money game, chose to take the lump sum payment and received a CT Lottery prize check for $792,414 (the value after taxes). “I’m going to meet with a financial advisor to help me plan the best for the future. I’d like to pay off my house, and definitely get a new car.” said Bennett.

For selling Bennett’s the top prize winning ticket, Co-op Package Store will receive a $20,000 bonus check from the CT Lottery.