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Biggest Connecticut Lottery Winners and Their Stories

April 6, 2026  ·  5 min read  ·  Education

Notable Connecticut Lottery Wins

Connecticut has produced numerous significant lottery winners since 1972. With over five decades of lottery history, the state has seen winners across every game tier — from daily Play 3 and Play 4 prizes to multi-million-dollar Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots. The state's long tenure in multi-state games has given players many shots at life-changing prizes.

Powerball and Mega Millions Winners

Connecticut's biggest lottery wins have come from the multi-state games. The state has produced multiple Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot winners, including prizes in the hundreds of millions. Connecticut joined Mega Millions in 2002 and Powerball in 2010, giving players access to the largest prize pools in the country. For strategy resources, see our Powerball Guide and Mega Millions Guide.

Lotto! and Cash 5 Winners

Lotto! regularly produces jackpot winners thanks to its 6/44 pool, which offers better odds than multi-state games. The twice-weekly drawings on Tuesday and Friday create regular excitement. Cash 5, with its daily drawings and 5/35 pool, generates frequent winners at multiple prize tiers. Both games contribute to a steady stream of Connecticut-based winners throughout the year.

Claiming Prizes in Connecticut

Connecticut lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any licensed lottery retailer. Prizes from $600 to $5,000 can be claimed at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill or by mail. Prizes over $5,000 require an in-person visit to the Rocky Hill office for identity verification and tax processing.

Taxes on Connecticut Lottery Winnings

Connecticut has a 6.99% state tax on lottery winnings, one of the higher rates among US lottery states. Federal withholding of 24% applies to prizes over $5,000, bringing the combined withholding to approximately 31% for larger prizes. Use our Jackpot Tax Calculator to model the difference between lump sum and annuity for any prize amount.

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