The man won the first prize in the Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw 1090, drawn on April 18.

The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased his entry from Cessnock Plaza News and Gifts.

When a NSW Lotteries official called him on Wednesday morning to confirm the win, the man confessed he was in a state of shock and disbelief.

“I don’t know whether I believe you or not! Is this a prank call?” he said.

“I have a bit of a saying about the lottery – I’ve got more chance of hitting the moon with a snowball.

“So this is certainly a bit of a surprise!”

When asked how he planned to spend his winnings, the man admitted the windfall had come at a good time.

“I need to pay off my mortgage so this is really going to come in handy,” he said.

Cessnock Plaza News and Gifts manager Sarah Pascoe said her team were thrilled to have sold the winning ticket.

“I jumped up and down and probably scared a few customers,” she said.

“We’re really excited to have sold such a high prize to a local customer – supporting a local shop is such a positive thing.”

Ms Pascoe said it was the first big prize the newsagency had sold since moving from Vincent Street into the plaza in September last year.

“Hopefully it brings more luck to our new store,” she said.