News Release

Shakopee Man Wins $1 million on New Year’s Day

His ticket is one of two worth $1 million from the Raffle Drawing

JANUARY 6, 2010 — Thomas Newell of Shakopee bought some Raffle tickets at Cub Foods, 3245 County Road 10 in Brooklyn Center on Dec. 12.

On Saturday, Jan. 2, Newell checked the tickets he purchased for the New Year’s Day drawing while sitting in his car.  He was disappointed that one of his tickets was just three numbers away from winning $25,000.

Then he checked the winning numbers for the $1 million prizes. “I checked the first number (248756) and thought, “I just missed it.” When he read the second winning number — 253416 — and it matched the number on his ticket, “I just screamed!” Newell recalled.

After discovering his win, Newell called his sisters to share his exciting news. He told one sister that he had some life-changing news. He was amazed when she asked him if he won $1 million. Both sisters joined him as he claimed his $1 million prize at Lottery headquarters in Roseville on Jan. 4.

The second $1 million prize was claimed by Chad Gustafson of Red Wing.

The following Raffle prizes from the Jan. 1, 2010 drawing have not yet been claimed: two $100,000 winning tickets (sold in Washington and Scott counties), 46 tickets each winning $500 and 30 bonus prizes.

The $100,000 prizes and Ford Fusion Hybrid must be claimed at the Lottery’s headquarters in Roseville. Players have until Jan. 3, 2011 to claim prizes from the Jan. 1, 2010 drawing. All 150 winning numbers are available at www.mnlottery.com.

The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle Game launched on Nov. 3, 2009. Only 500,000 tickets were available. The game sold out on Dec. 23, 2009. Each $10 ticket features a unique six-digit number that players have to match against the numbers that were drawn on New Year’s Day.

Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling problem, call (800) 333-HOPE.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 635-8273. TTY users should dial (651) 635-8268 or (800) 657-3833.