ZA Grocery’s Lottery Sales License is Suspended
HARTFORD – Today, Department of Consumer Protection (“DCP”) Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli signed a summary suspension of the Lottery Sales Agent License for ZA Grocery located at 865 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport.
This suspension is the result of a referral to the DCP Gaming Division from the Connecticut Lottery Corporation who assisted in the investigation. A lottery customer purchased a winning ticket valued at $177 on August 12, 2024. When the customer attempted to redeem the ticket, they were told the ticket was only worth $77.
The DCP Gaming Division initiated an investigation on August 13th. Upon reviewing the terminal transaction data, DCP learned that the terminal did pay out $177 for the ticket in question. When DCP investigators questioned the clerk, Mr. A Khawaja, he initially denied any wrongdoing but eventually admitted he pocketed the $100 with no intention of paying the customer.
“The behavior of Mr. Khawaja is inexcusable and illegal,” DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “It is clear from this incident that ZA Grocery is not operated in a manner that meets the expectations and responsibilities that come with holding a lottery sales agent license in our state.”
“Protecting our players is of paramount importance to the CT Lottery,” said Frank Suarez, President and CEO of the CT Lottery Corporation. “We work closely with the Department of Consumer Protection to investigate and take action, when necessary, to ensure integrity and protect consumers, as we did in this isolated incident.”
The lottery sales agent license is immediately suspended, and the establishment may not sell or redeem any lottery products until further notice. A copy of the summary suspension order is attached.
If you have concerns about a lottery sales agent in the State of Connecticut, please contact DCP’s Gaming Division at (860) 713-6310, or by emailing dcp.gaming@ct.gov.