By Mitchell Clarke
A Beaconsfield TattsLotto has continued its “excellent record” in selling winning tickets, as two seasoned punters finally strike the big time and walk away with a cool $867,000.
The life-long friends held one of five division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto’s draw 4017, which was drawn on Saturday 18 January. Each division one winner took home $866,693.67.
The winning ticket was purchased at Beaconsfield Village Lotto on the Old Princes Highway.
“We’ve done it again,” owner Frank Mortaruolo said.
“This one makes it ten division one winning entries we’ve sold over the years.
“We tell our customers ‘why would you buy your ticket anywhere else?’.”
Mr Mortaruolo congratulated the men and wished them all the best with their newfound fortune.
The winners, who wish to remain anonymous, can’t believe their luck with one of the men confessing he was still in a state of disbelief.
“My best mate came to tell me first thing this morning! I was wondering what he was doing here so early!” he told a Tatts official.
“He told me I had to sit down, so I thought someone was sick or dying or something like that.
“I couldn’t believe it when he told me. He said he discovered the win on Sunday afternoon and hadn’t slept a wink all night which is why he raced over first thing to tell us.”
The retired mates have been playing the game of TattsLotto together for about 40 years.
“For years and years we played the same marked numbers but not long ago we decided to grab a QuickPick entry instead,” he said.
“I still can’t believe those are the numbers that won!”
As to how the winner will spend his share in the prize?
“I’ve got two wonderful children that have families of their own so we will help the kids out for sure,” he said.
“I’m retired so I’ll put a fair bit towards our super but we’ll definitely be spending a bit more time in our caravan or on holiday.
“Not sure how my mate will be spending his but I’d say it’s the same as us!”
