A STRATHDALE grandfather who has used the same TattsLotto numbers for 40 years became an instant millionaire after winning $1.4 million in Saturday’s draw.
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The winner was one of three to share in the $4.2 million first division jackpot after buying his regular System 8 ticket from Strath Lotteries in Strath Village.
The other winners to pick the winning numbers of 34, 16, 18, 1, 17 and 6 were from Mildura and Fawkner.
The man, who chooses to remain anonymous, said he knew he had won the instant he saw the winning six numbers in the newspaper.
“I recognised them because I’ve been playing the same ones for 40 years,” he said. “I was a bit shaky after that.”
He said he would share his $1,417,314.57 windfall with his family.
“I’ll help my children and grandchildren with some of the money, and also invest some for the future,” he said.
“This kind of money can change your life a lot.”
Strath Lotteries owner Peter Minehan said it was not the first time the store had sold a winning first division ticket. “We’ve sold numerous winners through lotto and scratchies on a regular basis over the last eight or nine years,” he said.
“We’re always very excited to join in and celebrate their win with them.”
Mr Minehan said a big lotto win benefitted everyone.
“Everyone here is quite excited about it.
“There is a bit of a buzz this morning. It’s good for everyone; good for the winner, good for Strath Village, and it keeps people interested.
“People always look at us like a lucky agency.”
The winning man would have spent $38,168 over the past 40 years on Lotto tickets going on today’s rate of $18.35 for a System 8 ticket.