Recent Graduate Claims a $15,000 Top Prize from a Louisiana Lottery Spades scratch-off ticket

Graduating from college is a great achievement, but facing the "real world" can be daunting for graduates before starting a new job. That won't be a problem for recent LSU graduate Darren Rome, however, who claimed a $15,000 top prize from a Louisiana Lottery Spades scratch-off ticket. Rome said he will use his winnings for moving and living expenses as he starts a new career in Houston. 

"I had taken a break from weightlifting and thought why not scratch my tickets," said Rome, age 22 of Central. "At first, I thought I had won $15, but after several double takes, I saw three zero's following the 15. That's when I realized I had won a top prize of $15,000. I ran and showed my father."

He purchased his winning scratch-off from Romero's Food Mart on Joor Road in Central.
Spades is a $2 game that offers a chance to win up to 10 times on each ticket. The game has two $15,000 top prizes remaining as of June 11.

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.