March 10, 2011 -- Like a pirate in search of buried treasure, Michael D'Amico of Newton knew immediately he "hit gold" when the CT Lottery "Ruby Red Bingo" instant ticket he played after dinner formed the "X" needed to win the game's $20,000 top prize.

"First I got a 'LINE' and thought I won $10.  Then, I got '4 CORNERS,' and thought I won $100;  when I saw I had an 'X', I knew I won it big," D'Amico told Lottery officials.  After D'Amico shared the incredible news with his family, they encouraged him to take the Ruby Red Bingo ticket to a nearby lottery retailer and scan it in a "Ticket Checker" to verify it was in fact a $20,000 winner—and to D'Amico's delight, it certainly was.

Joined by his family, D'Amico  arrived at Lottery Headquarters in Rocky Hill recently to claim a check for $13,700 (prize value after taxes).   "I have some home repairs, so this will help with that," D'Amico said.

The $20,000 prize that D'Amico won is the last of four top prizes in the game Ruby Red Bingo.  Odds of winning a prize in Ruby Red Bingo are 1 in 4.07.  Previous top prize winners in the game include William Rolon of Norwich, Frank Smazer of Cromwell, and Antionette Summa of Wolcott.

For selling D'Amico his top prize winning ticket, Friendly Service Station, located on South Main Street in Newtown, will receive a $200 bonus from the CT Lottery.