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DATE: April 2, 2008
CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, karie.lowe@kslottery.net

Suggested Sale Wins Player $6,000

TOPEKA, KAN. – Travis Dinkel stopped at a convenience store yesterday to purchase a few snacks and a variety of lottery tickets. While selecting his tickets, the store clerk suggested he try a $1 Poker Face instant scratch ticket. The Hays resident added the game to his purchases and was shocked when he revealed a $6,000 top prize playing Poker Face.

“I was stunned,” said Dinkel. “My fiancée Lindsay was driving, so I scratched my tickets in the car while we were on our way home. When I realized I’d won $6,000, I just sat there shocked, holding up my ticket.”

Dinkel finally handed the winning ticket to Lindsay.

“I couldn’t believe it either,” said Lindsay.

After returning home, Dinkel called his mom to share the good news.

“It didn’t occur to me that it was April Fool’s Day,” said Dinkel. “My mom thought I was playing a trick. She called me back four times before she finally believed me.”

Dinkel also called a few co-workers, getting the same reaction.

“I think everyone finally believed me because I wasn’t being a smart-aleck,” smiled Dinkel.

Dinkel, who works construction, plans to buy a newer vehicle with his prize money.

The winning ticket was purchased at Convenience Xpress, located at 335 W. 8th St., in Hays.