Rauf Nayemi had to doublecheck his "Lucky for Life" scratch card at the Washington State Lottery office. He couldn't believe he'd really won $52,000 a year for life.
Nayemi, 40, an immigrant from Afghanistan, is the first "Lucky for Life" winner since the game was changed from a drawing to scratch tickets on April 27.
He'll get $39,000 a year after federal taxes, said Liz Anderson, the lottery's communications manager.
"Today is the most exciting day for me," Nayemi said Friday at the lottery office.
Nayemi said his first reaction was to call his mother in Lacey, but he told her the win was not yet official.
He called her back after officials verified the ticket.
Nayemi says he plans to pay for his 13-year-old daughter's braces and pay off his house.
He'll be able to help relatives in Afghanistan, too, if they need it.
"If you have $10 to share with someone, you would share it," he said. "I want to help my family."
Nayemi moved to the United States 22 years ago when the Soviet Union was invading his homeland.
Now single, he also hopes his good luck will help him socially.
"So, if I ask any woman out now, is she going to say yes?" he asked with a grin.
"Today is the most exciting day for me," Nayemi said Friday at the lottery office.
Warms the cockles of my heart, a story like this one.
Jack
The fact they need to verify these tickets means someone knows the location of where these winning tickets are , we would be a fool to think someone didnt. Makes me think what do these lottery offices really now. I am on the prowl in Illinois for the last Merry Millionaire grand prize ticket and every time I get a response from them they are like " The chances are the ticket has been found just not redeemed" Are they telling me I shouldnt waste my money?
Long live "Lucky for Life" ... and the guy who won!
Why no mention of the $750,000 cash option (the online Unlucky for Life didn't have it)?
don't know....