Numbers just keep coming up

By Shaun Inguanzo
SPRINGVALE’S Chinese community is abuzz after discovering a local syndicate won a first division share of a $20 million Lotto prize on the first day of the Chinese New Year.
And the winning ticket was again sold by Springvale Tattslotto agency 18 Lucky Lotto, which just three months ago sold a winning first division ticket that fetched its owner a cool $1.65 million.
Agency owners Michelle and Raymond Van said the 17 February winning ticket was the shop’s 17th first division winner since opening in 2003.
Mrs Van said the secret lay with the shop’s ability to hand pick numbers for customers, relying on both instinct and statistics.
But the joyful syndicate had to wait before claiming its prize – the agency was closed on New Year’s Day and Mrs Van was away from her mobile phone.
Mrs Van described the syndicate as a mixture of cultures, including people of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian origin.
“This year is the Year of the Pig and I think it is already a lucky one. It has already brought us good luck on the first day. (The win) means we are very lucky.
“We’ve sold thousands of smaller prize winning tickets, but have had first division five times within 2006, and now already for the first time in 2007,” Mrs Van said.
A massive 26 winning tickets were recorded for the 17 February Tattslotto draw, each allocated a $770,000 share of the $20 million jackpot.
The syndicate must then divide its share among its members.