May 28, 2010 -- Spare pocket change for Derby resident Adrian Gjonbalaj has transformed into a “lotto” cash – a quarter of a million dollars, to be exact. Gjonbalaj successfully matched the first 5 numbers drawn in the May 25 Mega Millions® with Megaplier® game, 05-14-17-19-24, but missed having the Mega Ball number of 25 needed to win the game’s $64 million jackpot.

Receiving two quarters back as change from a purchase, Gjonbalaj put them into his pocket, and realized he had two other quarters there. A quick decision caused him to hand over the 4 quarters to the cashier, for a single Mega Millions® “Quick Pick” ticket.

Following the drawing, Gjonbalaj discovered his newly found fortune as he scanned his ticket with a CT Lottery “Ticket Checker” at a local Lottery retailer. “I thought the Ticket Checker malfunctioned,” he told Lottery officials, laughing. “The display was full of numbers; I did a double take, and then signed the ticket!”

Gjonbalaj went home to share the incredible news with his wife, who didn’t believe him. He pulled up the winning numbers at ctlottery.org to show her. “She’s still doesn’t believe me. She told me she’ll believe it when she sees it,” said Gjonbalaj.

Easy enough--Gjonbalaj left CT Lottery headquarters today with a prize check for $171,250 (prize value after taxes), and a big grin spread from ear to ear.  He also said that the unexpected windfall will help with paying for college for his three children.

For selling the winning ticket, Citgo Mart on New Haven Avenue in New Haven will receive a $2,500 Selling Bonus. There were a total of 5,254 winning tickets sold in Connecticut for the May 25, 2010 drawing.