Louis Criscuolo Wins Top Prize Playing “Treasure” Instant Game
East Haven Man’s “Lucky Pick” Pays Out $50,000 Prize
May 12, 2011 -- Over the last couple years, Louis Criscuolo of East Haven has enjoyed purchasing his CT Lottery tickets from Baven, a friendly gas station attendant who works at Milford Sunoco on Old Gate Lane in Milford. “He’s a real nice guy,” said Criscuolo. Recently, Criscuolo jokingly asked Baven, “Pick me a winner.” Much to Criscuolo’s luck and surprise, that’s exactly what Baven did. When Criscuolo scratched off the first box on the $5 “
Treasure” instant game ticket that Baven chose at random from the dispenser, he revealed a matching pair of 9’s…with a corresponding $50,000 top prize. “I knew right away that I won $50,000 without having to wait to get to the end of the ticket,” said Criscuolo with a laugh.
After a moment of disbelief, Criscuolo asked Baven to scan the Treasure ticket on the lottery terminal to verify that it was a winner. Once confirmed, the two men excitedly exchanged a few “high-fives” in celebration. Then Criscuolo called his wife, Cheryl, to share the incredible news. “I couldn’t reach her,” Criscuolo told lottery officials with a shake of his head. “When she called me back, and I told her that I won, she couldn’t believe it.”
Yesterday, Criscuolo arrived with his son at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to accept a prize check for $34,251 (value after taxes). “This will help pay for my son’s high school tuition, but maybe we'll get a swimming pool, too, or a new truck,” Criscuolo mused.
For selling Criscuolo his top prize winning ticket, Milford Sunoco will receive a $500 bonus check from the CT Lottery.