Lotto fever grips T&T

Punters across the country were hoping to strike it rich yesterday as the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Lotto Plus jackpot climbed to an estimated $20.2 million.

The multimillion-dollar prize was up for grabs after another rollover in Wednesday night’s draw in which no player matched all five winning numbers and the Powerball in draw number 2557.

The draw carried an estimated $18.5 million grand prize. The winning numbers drawn on August 12 were 5, 12, 19, 24 and 26, with Powerball 4.

The latest rollover marked the second consecutive one this month, after players also failed to win the $17.2 million jackpot in the August 8 draw.

The jackpot has continued its multi-week rise, prompting increased interest among hopeful players ahead of last night’s draw.

The results would have been announced at 8.30 last night.

The Sunday Express observed long lines at Lotto booths throughout Port of Spain, with several punters willing to share their thoughts on what they would do if they won.

Mike Lammy, of Morvant, who was at Target Store on Charlotte Street purchasing his Lotto tickets, said he was willing to take a chance on the jackpot. “My wife called and reminded me to make sure I bought some Lotto tickets before I left Port of Spain. She usually doesn’t play but I suspect it is because of the big jackpot,” he said.

Asked what he would do should he win, Lammy became emotional. “My house needs fixing, and with rain falling a lot these days, this money will come in handy to install a new roof and windows. There is so much to do and just thinking of it all is too much for me,” he said.

Another man nearby interjected: “Boy, you studying to fix window and roof? You will get a brand new house in one of those gated communities.”

Sandra Redhead, 68, of East Dry River, said she rarely plays Lotto but the jackpot was tempting. “I don’t really play. It is very rare for me to play, but I taking a chance today. Look at how much money at stake—at least if I don’t get all, I could get piece of it,” she said.

Redhead said if she wins, the money would assist her grandchildren. “I have autistic twin grandsons. They are seven years old. It is difficult to pay for school and therapy for them, so that money will be able to assist with that. My other grandchildren will also be taken good care of. Just yesterday my granddaughter asked me for money to do a make-up course, so I already have plans for that money if I win,” Redhead said.

Another Lotto player, who gave his name as Ras, said winning the jackpot would give him enough money to migrate with his family. “Me and my children will be out of this country for sure. We will go to Switzerland or Germany or somewhere very far to get away from this place. Tell me, who want to live in Trinidad right now?” he said.

Another man, who did not want to be named, was equally confident that he was holding the winning ticket. “Right now, I sure this ticket is the winning ticket. Mark my words, I will walk away with the $20 million. Once I win, I will be keeping it quiet,” he said.

House and land were on the mind of another punter, who said he did not want to miss out on his luck. “My birthday is August 20. Twenty is a very lucky number. If I win the $20 million, I will buy several houses and several acres of land. I will build homes for families who are struggling,” he said.