Danbury man wins $1.5M on scratch-off

A Danbury man now has an easier way to take tropical vacations.

That’s because of Bruce Smith’s visit to The Tropical Deli on Lake Avenue.

At the deli, Smith purchased a $5 instant lottery ticket that turned out to be a winner.

A very big winner ... $1.5 million to be exact.

Last Thursday, Smith cashed in his Win Up to $7,500 A Month for Life ticket at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill.

Unlike some big winners, Smith declined an interview or have his photo be taken holding a big check.

Smith’s name was published on CT Lottery’s list of winners page.

It lists the prize amount as $1.5 million, indicating Smith likely took a lump sum payment, before taxes.

The Tropical Deli wasted no time on its Facebook page letting people know the business sold the winning ticket.

It also posted a photo of the Claim Receipt for the prize.

“Play Connecticut Lotto at Tropical Deli where we had a Win For Life Winner !!!!! Someone just won $7,500 a month for life!! Hey, you never know!,” it posted.

He won on the third edition of the Win Up to $7,500 A Month for Life game.

The third edition of the game began on Nov. 15.

The currrent game has five top prizes of $7,500 A Month for Life.

After Smith cashed in his ticket, four top prizes remain.

According to CT Lottery, there remain 20 $5,000 prizes; 204 $1,000 prizes;

1,224 $500 prizes and 12,284 $100 prizes. In all, there are 10,480,800 Win Up to

$7,500 A Month for Life in the current edition of the game.