August 31, 2012 -- With $9 in change in his pocket, Charlie Bennett of New Haven bought three “High Roller” instant game tickets from a local lottery retailer.  Scanning his second ticket in a lottery Ticket Checker, Bennett believed he won $3,000 and was pretty happy about his win.  When Bennett later learned he was actually a $30,000 winner, he was ecstatic.  

“I didn’t notice the last zero,” Bennett told Lottery officials.  “I tried to cash my ticket at a high-tier claim center and they told me they couldn’t cash it—because it was worth $30,000 and I’d have to go to Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim it.  I couldn’t believe it.”

Accepting a prize check for $20,491 (value after taxes), Bennett spoke of plans for his top prize win.  “First, I’m going to pay some bills.  Then, I’m going to take my wife and son on vacation to the Bahamas for a week.”

For selling Bennett his top prize winning ticket, Sam’s Food Store, located at 285 Whalley Avenue in New Haven will receive a $300 bonus check from the CT Lottery.