Anthony Castro, 37, says he’s always used his lucky coin – a spiritual coin with the Holy Trinity on it – when he plays Idaho Lottery scratch games. On Sunday, he used the coin to play Idaho Millions, and found that he had won 0,000.
He bought the ticket at the Jacksons store at Maple Grove and Ustick roads in Boise.
"This is just a gift from God," said Castro, who was still in shock, disbelief and excitement over his windfall Tuesday morning. "I stayed up all night (Sunday). I got two and a half hours of sleep, and then went to the Idaho Lottery headquarters Monday morning."
"I’m as happy as can be," Castro said. He’s moving to Portland at the end of the week for work. He’s an insurance agent for Primerica Financial Services.
After taxes, Castro took home 8,000 (federal taxes amounted to ,500, while state were ,500, according to Idaho Lottery spokesman David Workman).
Castro said he has already donated 10 percent of his winning, or ,800 to his church, Calvary Chapel, and invested ,000 in mutual funds. He also agreed to pay the veterinary bill for his ex-wife’s dog, who has an injured leg. The rest of the money is in the bank, where he plans to keep it.
"Don’t waste the money on anything stupid," Castro advised others.
Castro grew up in the Bronx, where he was shot in the head by a gang member at 19. He moved from New York State to Idaho seven years ago because of fear after the 9/11 terrorist attacks – he witnessed the World Trade Center Towers collapse from a bowling alley in the Bronx. He came to Idaho with little money and ended up in a shelter for about three years until he could get on his feet.
"God was telling me, you need to get out of New York," Castro said.
Castro said he’s been playing lottery games, particularly scratch-offs, for many years, spending as much as 0 at a time on games. But he said Sunday’s game was his last.
"Why be greedy," he said. "I’ve won my share. I’m investing, I’m set. Why would I need to play anymore lottery? I’ve gotta give it to the next person."
The lottery winner says he plans to spend more time bowling and playing pool and tennis.
Castro is the second 0,000 winner of the Idaho Millions scratch-off game; there are four 0,000 prizes still available. For selling the winning ticket, Jacksons Food Stores will receive a bonus worth ,000.
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