A Yarra Glen health worker today discovered an Instant Scratch-Its ticket he was given as an Easter gift yielded him one of the top prizes of $250,000.
The winning $10 Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Lilydale Market Lotto, Shop 25, Lilydale Market, Lilydale.
Sharing his excitement with a Tatts official this afternoon, the Victorian man admitted he couldn’t quite grasp the news of his win.
“I was given it as a gift from mum. She gave us Instant Scratch-Its tickets instead of chocolates because we’re all trying to watch our weight a little bit,” he laughed.
“I didn’t scratch it until I got home. When I did, I couldn’t believe it.
“I showed my daughter and son, and asked them to check it to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.
“When it was confirmed at the head office I felt really light headed. I could barely even write my details on the forms because I was shaking so much.
“It’s an unbelievable Easter present. I read your winners stories and hear about them on TV and the radio and I always feel so much joy for them.
“You always dream for it to happen to you, but now that it has happened it feels very surreal.
“It still hasn’t sunk in. I am in complete disbelief.”
When asked how he planned to spend his win, the humble dad said he would put it towards the mortgage.
“It will take the pressure off. It’s a big relief.” he shared.
“I am going to pay off the mortgage.
“I am just going to live each day of my life the best I can. I have had such a great life and this just makes it better.”
He shared celebrations had already begun and would continue into the weekend.
“We celebrated last night. We had some nice scotch. Then when the money is in my bank account I will take my family out for dinner and have some dessert and just enjoy the win and share the excitement with them,” he admitted.
Lilydale Market Lotto co-owner Kris Khera said he was thrilled to help deliver a top prize win to one of his customers.
“It’s wonderful! We have been waiting to sell another big prize. We have sold four in the past and can’t wait to sell more,” he said.
“It is very exciting. We are probably just as excited as the customer is that he won.
“We will be celebrating in store and sharing the news with all of our customers!
“We are thrilled for our winner and wish him all the best for the future.”
In 2018, there were 155 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across the Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $14.26 million.
It can happen in an instant. It can happen to you.