FROM RAMEN TO RICHES: COLLEGE STUDENT HITS THE JACKPOT; FOLLOWED UP BY ANOTHER WINWALLINGFORD, Conn. — June 5, 2025 — No more instant ramen noodles for one lucky Ansonia college student.
The player, a student at a local CT community college, says his life changed after discovering he won a jackpot prize worth $547,414—followed by another $1,000 win on a scratch game.
The student stopped by a convenience store for a few items when he decided to pick up a “20X Cash 9th Edition” scratch ticket and a $30 “High Roller Progressive” Fast Play ticket. He says he doesn’t often play the lottery, citing the cost of his education, but was in the mood for a little fun and figured he’d try his luck.
He bought the winning tickets at SSDJ Minimart on Main Street in Ansonia.
For selling the jackpot-winning ticket, SSDJ Minimart will receive a $5,474 bonus—just one of the many benefits of being a CT Lottery retail partner.
The winner says he plans to use the money to pay off student loans and remaining tuition. He’s also now seriously considering transferring out of community college and into a four-year university, since costs are no longer a barrier.
Congratulations to the winner—and best of luck in your educational pursuits!
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Overall odds of 20X Cash 9th Edition are 1 in 4.08. Overall odds of $30 High Roller Progressive are 1 in 3.07. Purchasers must be 18 or older. Help is available for problem gambling—call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.
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About the Connecticut Lottery Corporation:
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is a quasi-public state agency committed to generating revenue for Connecticut in accordance with the highest standards of public policy and social responsibility.
In fiscal year 2024, lottery players won more than $1.1 billion in prizes, and retailers earned more than $85 million in commissions. CLC also reinvested approximately $387 million back into the state’s General Fund, supporting vital services including public health, libraries, public safety, and education. Since its inception in 1972, CLC has contributed more than $11 billion to Connecticut’s General Fund.
Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets, and at least 21 to place sports wagers. For help with a gambling problem, call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.
To learn more, visit any CT Lottery retailer, go to ctlottery.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (@ctlottery), or call (860) 713-2700. You can also download our apps here.
