$800,000, that’s the ticket

A MAN from the Emerald area hit the jackpot when a Saturday night Tattslotto Quick Pick netted him a cool $800,000.
The lucky man was oblivious to the fact he had the winning numbers for the 6 June draw until he revisited Emerald News and Lotto, which sold him the ticket.
“I had no idea when I went into the shop to get my ticket checked,” the man said.
“The lady serving me mentioned that someone who bought an entry from the shop had won a first division prize and said it could be me.
“I said it couldn’t be me. I’ve been playing Tattslotto since it first started and winning is something you always dream of but never think it will actually happen.”
It was also the first big win for co-owners Carl and Mary Mardirian since taking over Emerald News and Lotto two-and-a-half years ago.
“I was excited actually, it was our first one, but not as excited as the man who collected the cash,” Mr Mardirian said.
“It’s a good feeling when you know you sold the division one winning ticket.”
Mr Mardirian said the man bought small Quick Picks each week and that it was “just his lucky day”.
The winner said he planned to pay off his debts and help out family and friends financially.
“It won’t change the way I live my life,” he said.