By BRIDGET COOK
FIVE lucky locals had a million reasons to smile last week when their Lotto entry won a first division prize.
The five winners purchased shares in the entry as part of a syndicate from Marriott Waters Lotto in Lyndhurst, which won a prize of $1,016,920.
Marriott Waters Lotto owner Michael Morello said he had spoken to all the winners as they were all understandably excited.
“It’s very exciting for us to sell a winning ticket,” he said.
“You always feel happy that you’re helping people out.
“It’s what everyone is playing for – the big win.”
Mr Morello said it was the second time he had sold a first division winning ticket, after selling a $2.5 million winner when he owned the lotto shop at Springhill Shopping Centre earlier this year.
One of the winners said he was so excited to discover he had won as part of the syndicate.
“It’s a great feeling, I’m going to be debt-free,” he said.
“I saw one of the other winners in the shop this morning too and he was in tears. We were high-fiving each other.”
The winner said he owed his good fortune to the late great George Adams, the founder of Tattersall’s Sweeps, the company now known as Tatts.
“Thanks Uncle George,” he joked.
Monday and Wednesday Lotto guarantees a $1 million division one prize for up to four winners every Monday and Wednesday.
Playing lotto as part of a syndicate allows players to share the cost of a larger entry, giving them more chances to win.
