Media Release 01 August 2008
21 Years of Lotto Celebrated by Wanganui Great Grandmother
A Wanganui great grandmother has celebrated 21 years of playing Lotto with a quarter million dollar share of Lotto's
First Division from this week's draw.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, hasn't missed a single draw since Lotto started in 1987 – even while away on
holiday with her family.
"I've always had the same numbers, birthdays and addresses, and have never missed a draw – but I had to check my numbers
over and over and over again, as I didn't believe I'd actually one.
The woman, who has won several small amounts to date, had to finally check the ticket at her local store to make sure
she'd really won the $250,806 quarter share of First Division.
Aramoho Mags & Lotto's owner Garry McElwain says when she realised it was true, she had to have a cup of tea.
Garry had a double celebration this week, as his store was named the Lotto Retailer of the Year – a points based award
accrued throughout the year for excellent service, store presentation and product knowledge.
As Lotto celebrates its 21st birthday, Aramoho Mags & Lotto also featured in its list of top 21 prizes sold, with a $7,812,344 Powerball ticket sold in February 2007.
Aramoho Mags & Lotto have also sold three other First Division tickets worth almost $1.3 million.
"We really work hard on the Lotto side of things in our store, and the results really demonstrate that.
"We're always thrilled when someone wins big with one of our tickets, it's nice – although it's not as nice as if I'd
won it myself!," laughs Garry.
Powerball has jackpotted this week, and will be worth an estimated $6.5 million in next Saturday's draw. Lotto's 21st
birthday celebratory promotion also ends on Saturday, and will be giving away 2,100 extra prizes worth over $5.4 million
– our biggest draw ever.
ENDS