In an exciting turn of events for a Rotorua local, a regular Instant Kiwi player has hit the jackpot, winning a staggering $75,000 from a $5 crossword scratchie. This incredible win took place at the Springfield Superette and Lotto, where the triumphant winner, who chose to remain anonymous, shared their experience with the Rotorua Daily Post.
The Winning Moment
According to the lucky winner, the ticket was purchased on Friday, and they typically buy at least one scratchie each day. “I usually buy at least one a day,” the winner revealed. They mentioned that they always opt for the same type of scratchie, leading to a delightful surprise when they checked their ticket. “It was just a really nice feeling, lovely feeling,” they expressed, summing up the joy of their unexpected win.
Future Plans for the Winnings
While the winner has not yet decided on how to spend their newfound fortune, they indicated that the money is not earmarked for anything specific at present. “I don’t need anything so it’s just going to sit there until I think of something,” they stated. Interestingly, the winner recalled a previous win of $5,000 on a similar scratchie nearly a decade ago, purchased from Countdown on Fenton Street.
A Community Celebration
Raj Kumar, the owner of Springfield Superette and Lotto, confirmed the remarkable win and expressed his excitement regarding the local triumph. “It’s so exciting, and I’m happy for the local who has struck big,” Kumar shared. He noted that he has known the winner for years and underscored the joy that comes from local players scoring big wins. “The greatest joy and gratification is when … a local wins it,” Kumar added, reminiscing about a previous $50,000 win he facilitated around 20 years ago.
This recent win serves as a reminder of the thrill and community spirit that Lotto games can inspire, highlighting the life-changing potential of a simple scratchie. As Rotorua continues to celebrate this lucky moment, many locals are left dreaming of their own big wins.