2 hit instant lottery jackpot

Two individuals became $1,000 richer when they hit the jackpot in the Northern Marianas Sports Association’s scratch card lottery fundraiser.

Lili Borja and a man who declined to be named won back-to-back in the lottery that’s only on its third week since being launched.

The two winning scratch cards in the Northern Marianas Sports Association’s lottery fundraiser. (Jon Perez)

NMSA officials and Pacific Lotteries Ltd. of Australia representative Steve Gibson confirmed both winning tickets and the winners were given their cash prizes on the same day.

Borja, a regular shopper at New XO Market in Gualo Rai, was surprised to see three $1,000 on one of the three Lucky 7’s tickets she bought yesterday.

“I felt I was the luckiest person in the world. Surprised but I’m so happy,” said the Garapan resident, who rewarded the cashier and other people present with $10 each.

The Koblerville man became the scratchies’ first lucky winner on Sunday after buying 10 Hafa Adai instant lottery tickets with his friend at the Garapan Market.

His friend was actually the one who first played, purchasing four tickets and winning $3. He got curious and thought of trying his luck.

He was stunned and speechless after learning that he hit the $1,000 jackpot. Recovering his senses, he belted out a loud scream, surprising the storeowner and the other shoppers.

The lucky 29-year-old man, once his win was confirmed, held hands with his friend and the storeowner and started jumping for joy and yelling for over one minute.

“I’m going on a huge spending spree including buying the latest mobile phone. It’s time to have some fun,” said the man, who is finishing a business degree.

Gibson said there are a lot more $1,000 tickets—Hafa Adai, Lucky 7’s, Quick Cash, and Tropical Treasure—that can be found and won in the NMSA fundraiser.

“We are thrilled to have our first winner this fast. It’s all for a good cause and lots of fun to play. It’s like a treasure hunt and it’s easy to be a winner,” said NMSA president Michael White. “Now, the question is who’s going to be the next winner? I wish all the players good luck.”

Tickets are $1 each. Scratch card players could win $5, $20, $50, and $100 instantly, which can be redeemed from the retail outlet.

NMASA hopes to raise funds to support its projects and maintenance of sports facilities.

NMSA, since becoming an independent and private group in 2013, is allowed to operate a public lottery system as stated in Public Law 18-49 and as defined in Section 9301 of Title 1 of the Commonwealth Code.