News Release

Avon Resident Reels in $117,682 Northstar Cash^® Jackpot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 — A big fan of the Lottery’s Northstar Cash game, Steve Lamser sent a text message to his friends and family on Aug. 21 informing them of that night’s advertised $115,000 jackpot and that the game had the best odds of winning $100,000.

The Avon resident then headed out to run errands in preparation for a fishing trip. His first stop was for gas and Northstar Cash tickets using the numbers he always plays. Lamser forgot to pick up some quick-pick tickets while he was at the gas station, so he bought 10 quick-pick tickets while he was at Avon Liquor Locker, 305 Blattner Drive in Avon.

As he was driving home later that evening, Lamser said he and his girlfriend were talking about what they would do if they won the Northstar Cash jackpot. “I said I’d have to sit at Lake of the Woods with a ticket worth $115,000,” Lamser recalled. When he got home, he called the Lottery’s winning numbers line to get the winning numbers for that drawing. Lamser checked his girlfriend’s tickets and then his own. “I told [my girlfriend], ‘I think I won!’ I punched up the Web site and saw they all matched. I got crazy after that!”

The 9th set of numbers on his 10-line quick-pick ticket matched the five numbers (5-6-16-25-30) drawn on Aug. 21 to win the $117,682 jackpot. “I texted everybody back to tell them I won but nobody believed me!” Lamser said as he claimed his prize at Lottery headquarters in Roseville on Sept. 1. He reported that his good luck followed him on his fishing trip. “I caught all the biggest fish,” Lamser said with a grin.

The $26,000 Northstar Cash jackpot won on Sept. 1, 2009 (ticket sold in Clay County) has not been claimed. Northstar Cash players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes.

To play Northstar Cash, players select five numbers from 1 to 31. Matching the five numbers drawn wins the jackpot, which starts at $25,000 and grows until it is won. Players also win by matching 2, 3 or 4 of the numbers drawn. 

Northstar Cash drawings are conducted daily after the Daily 3® drawing. Tickets must be purchased by 6:10 p.m. on the day of the drawing.

Check for Lotto Games winning numbers and unclaimed prizes information. Players can also get winning numbers 24 hours a day by calling (651) 634-1111.

Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling problem, call (800) 333-HOPE.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 635-8273. TTY users should dial (651) 635-8268 or (800) 657-3833.