When Joshua Blache of Greenwell Springs arrived at his local Lottery retailer to check the results of the April 14 bonus drawing for the Millionaire Bonus Raffle, he decided to use the $4 in his pocket to purchase two scratch-offs, as well.  Blache was shocked when one of the Lucky Shamrock tickets he purchased turned out to be a $17,000 top-prize winner.

"I was scratching the ticket upside down because I was in a hurry," shared Blache, age 26.  "I thought it said I won $17,000, but I couldn't believe it.  I haven't let the ticket out of my sight since then."

Blache, a regular Louisiana Lottery scratch-off player, shared that his friends often tease him about his enjoyment of lottery games.  "I always tell them you can't win if you don't buy tickets."

Blache purchased his top-prize winning ticket from Greenwell Chevron on Greenwell Springs Road in Greenwell Springs.  He plans to use his winnings to pay bills and purchase a car.

Lucky Shamrock is a $2 scratch-off game that offers the chance to win up to 10 times on each ticket. There is one remaining top prize as of today.

Millionaire Bonus Raffle offers the Lottery's best odds of winning $1 million in the May 12 finale drawing. An additional 20 tickets will also be drawn during the finale drawing winning $20,000 each.   

Persons must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a Lottery ticket.  Anyone who has a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem are encouraged to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867. For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their ticket immediately after purchasing.  Information about the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, including other $2 scratch-off games, can be found on its website, www.louisianalottery.com.