We’re All Gazillionaires in Our Dreams

The Farmers Market Newsstand is usually a tranquil place to buy a newspaper or magazine, but when Lotto fever hits, prepare to get in line. There was a frenzy of activity at the stand in early August when the California SuperLotto Plus reached $69 million. As the saying goes, you can’t win if you don’t play. We asked some would-be instant millionaires for some pointers on the numbers game.

*

Arlene Flowers

Hairdresser

West Hollywood

Most you’ve won at Lotto?

I bought a ticket at a market near Vine and Fountain and won $95.

Are you lucky or unlucky?

I’m very lucky. I was on TV on a quiz show and won an aquarium. I’ve won certificates to Universal City from K-Earth. I won $2,500 at the track. But I’m not as lucky as my brother Jesse. He won five trips to Hawaii and found a big diamond on the floor at Las Vegas.

Do you have a system?

It’s a feeling. One time I did have a dream with numbers in it. I played them and nothing happened.

What would you do if you won?

I would probably buy a couple houses and travel. I’d find people to be with who had money too so I wouldn’t have mooches around me. I’d have a cook. I’d be generous.

Why bet against bad odds?

Someone’s got to win.

Lotto: School funds or racket?

Racket. The schools are always cutting back. Where’s the money going?

*

Rachel Don

Teacher

Buena Park

Most you’ve won at Lotto?

I think I got three out of six for $5.

Are you lucky or unlucky?

I’m lucky to have my kids.

How much do you spend a year on gambling?

Probably $200. In Las Vegas I probably spend $300.

Do you have a system?

I’ve done birthdays and months. Sometimes I go for the quick pick.

What would you do if you won?

I’d probably buy a house in Beverly Hills. I would travel. Go to China.

Why bet against bad odds?

Everybody has a chance. Why not me? Someone in Anaheim won and that’s pretty close to us.

Lotto: School funds or racket?

I do work for the school, but I haven’t seen any coming to our school.

*

Peter Thadliski

Retired infantryman

Los Angeles

Most you’ve won at Lotto?

I won about $105 for four out of five on the old game. I do better with Scratchers. I bought two $2 Scratchers a month ago and won $500.

Are you lucky or unlucky?

I’ve figured out these Scratchers games. If a game is out more than two or three months, chances are you’re not going to get a big winner. I play when the new games come out.

Do you have a system?

I play my serial number from the military. I pool with my neighbors.

What would you do if you won?

I have two adopted sons from Mexico. I was an orphan, so I would probably give 25% to Father Flanagan’s Boys Town.

Why bet against bad odds?

I’m going home today with a profit. If you can control it, it’s like drinking.

Lotto: School funds or racket?

If the schools weren’t getting the money, your taxes would be going up more.

*

Jesus Banda

Waiter

Montebello

Most you’ve won at Lotto?

$1,000 off the Pick Four game. I got four out of four.

Are you lucky or unlucky?

I have two little girls and one little boy. My wife loves me. I’m lucky.

How much do you spend a year on gambling?

Maybe $100 for a year. I play in Las Vegas but I never win.

Do you have a system?

I put my age, when I was born, my little boy’s birthday and my wife’s, mother’s and father’s birth dates. And the date for the first time I came to the U.S.A. It’s good luck for me.

What would you do if you won?

The first thing would be for my mom. I’d buy a hotel in Lake Tahoe. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. Buy a business. I want to help people. When I was young, I had no money.

Why bet against bad odds?

It’s entertainment.

Lotto: School funds or racket?

I hear it’s good for the schools. If that’s true, it’s good.