East Haven Business Sells $50,000 Winning Lottery Ticket

Brian Stetzer, a soft-spoken 23 year old from New Haven, is a self-described, once-in-a-while type of lottery game player. But, when Stetzer’s father returned home from shopping the other day with three “Bejeweled” instant game tickets, he unexpectedly gave one to his son. Stetzer sat down at the kitchen table, scratched the first row of “GEM” symbols on the ticket, and revealed five “EMERALDS” for the game’s $50,000 top prize.

“My dad normally buys two scratch tickets—one for himself and one for my mother to play. That day, [the retailer] encouraged him to buy an extra ticket. After giving it some thought, my dad decided to buy the third ticket for me,” Stetzer told Lottery officials. “My dad was right there with me when I scratched it. We just couldn’t believe it. I won the $50,000 top prize.”

Earlier this week, Stetzer arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim to his $50,000 top prize. “I want to help my parents and pay some bills. Maybe I’ll get some new tires on my car—winter is coming,” Stetzer said with a smile.

Stetzer’s top prize winning ticket was purchased at Sunoco A Plus Mini Mart, located at 80 Frontage Road in East Haven. For selling the ticket, the lottery retailer will receive a $500 check from the CT Lottery.

There are 4 top prizes in the game Bejeweled with 2 more top prizes remaining to be claimed. Odds of winning a prize in Bejeweled are 1 in 3.87.

The CT Lottery reminds the public that purchasers must be 18 or older, and to please play responsibly. For information about the CT Lottery stop by any CT Lottery retailer, visit ctlottery.org, join us on Facebook (facebook.com/CTLottery) and Twitter (twitter.com/ctlottery), or call (860) 713-2700.