A BALGA newsagency owner, who sold WA’s second Set for Life first prize Lotto ticket last month, says a “lucky laughing Buddha” statue has helped the store connect with the community.
Fieldgate News and Deli owner Tommy Ma sold the first prize ticket to a Balga couple, who will take home $20,000 each month for the next 20 years.
The couple, who were shocked with the win, will go on a Mediterranean cruise and help close friends and family with their prize money.
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READ NOWSeven WA players have won first prize in Lotterywest’s Set for Life daily game which was launched in 2015.
Mr Ma, who has owned the store for 15 years, said the Buddha was blessed in a Vietnam temple.
“The Lucky Laughing Buddha for us is symbolic of happiness , positivity and prosperity,” he said.
“Ever since we had it delivered to us we’ve been on the right track selling top prize tickets and also connecting with our community.
“It was the third time we sold the top prize here at Fieldgate News and Deli… the last top prize winning was in early 2017.”
Mr Ma said a good trick to winning was to be positive and keep an “open mind” that everyone had a chance to be the next top prize winner.
Lotterywest spokeswoman Pina Compagnone said in the last financial year more than $265 million was returned to the community, including $15,000 being granted to Whitelion Youth Agency in Balga in December to help young people with financial hardships.
There has been 11 WA Division 1 Lotto and first prize winners so far this year, sharing about $19 million in prize money.
There will be a $30 million OZ Lotto jackpot draw tonight, followed by a $15 million Powerball jackpot on Thursday.
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