UConn Biology Student from Windsor Locks Wins $50k on Scratch-Off Ticket

The following is a press release from the Connecticut Lottery:

An unexpected 10-word “match” found on a “Super Cashword 15” lottery ticket was just the right kind of luck Muath Omari needed to help fund his college tuition at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.  And the 25-year-old Windsor Locks resident, a biology major with future plans to attend medical school, couldn’t be any more excited about it.

“This came out of the blue for me,” Omari said to Lottery officials with a shake of his head and a laugh.  “I buy a $5 ticket … and win $50,000.  I still can’t believe it.”

The Super Cashword game, similar in style to a crossword puzzle, has long been a fan favorite since it was first launched by the CT Lottery in 2002.  Those who enjoy the extended style of play build prizes upon how many matches are made as the play is completed.  Omari, however, has his own, unique way of playing the game.

“I know that most people take their time to play the game out.  Me, I just look for the vowels and cross them out first to see how many words I have.  It’s a faster way to figure out how much I’ve won.”

Omari, who claimed a check for $34,151 (value after taxes) at Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill, said he knew exactly what he would do with his prize money.  “It hasn’t been easy, going to school full-time and working whenever I can.  All of the money I won will go towards my college bills.”

For selling Omari his top prize winning ticket, Pearl Mini Mart, located at 80 Pearl Street in Enfield, will receive a $500 bonus check from the CT Lottery.

There are 19 top prizes of $50,000 in the $5 game Super Cashword 15; currently 1 top prize remains to be claimed.  Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 3.74.

The CT Lottery reminds the public that purchasers must be 18 or older, and to please play responsibly.  For information about the CT Lottery, call (860) 713-2700, or visit ctlottery.org.