October 21, 2010 -- Since ticket sales first began for the CT Lottery’s instant game "$70 Million Blockbuster" on April 23, 2008, a total of seven lucky winners each claimed the game's $1,000,000 top prize.  This past Thursday, 87-year old John Geas of Stamford claimed the game’s 7th and final top prize winning ticket.  “I couldn’t believe that a $10 ticket would pay up to $1 million,” remarked an awestruck Geas to Lottery officials.

Geas, a World War II veteran and retired packaging salesman, said he has much to be thankful for.  “I have a beautiful family; we’re very, very close.”  The matching pair of 29’s that Geas revealed on his $70 Million Blockbuster ticket will certainly be put to good use to help his three grown daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grand daughter.  The winning match gave Geas the choice of a $1,000,000 20-year annuity or a cash lump sum value of $621,200.  Geas opted for the cash lump sum and received a prize check for $425,525 after taxes.  And Geas couldn’t stop smiling about it.  When asked of his plans for his big prize, Geas' thoughts went immediately to his wife, Tessie.  "Tessie just retired, so I’m taking her on a Mediterranean cruise; she deserves it."

Belltown Superette in Stamford is a big winner, too.  For selling a $70 Million Blockbuster top prize ticket, they’ll receive a $10,000 bonus check from the CT Lottery.  

The six other $1,000,000 top prize winners in the game were: Leon Ambrosey, Monroe, Robert Connelly, Fairfield, Christopher Brickel, Waterbury, Edward Random, New Haven, Bienvenido Fabian, Stamford, and Erik Martineau, Hamden.