2/06/2009 - 9:10 AM

Ponchatoula Couple Claims $12,000 Top Prize Winning Scratch-off

Delton and Bonnie Brooks of Ponchatoula have a reason to smile after Delton claimed a $12,000 top prize from a "Cool Winnings" scratch-off at Lottery headquarters.

Bonnie Brooks of Ponchatoula had a swing in her step after she realized she had purchased a top-prize winning Cool Winnings scratch-off from the Louisiana Lottery.

"I asked the clerk to check the ticket," explained Brooks, age 67. "When she said the ticket would have to be claimed at a Lottery office, I skipped out of the store! I don't think they've ever seen a 67-year-old skipping before!"

Prizes over $600 must be paid at a Louisiana Lottery office.

Bonnie and her husband, Delton, said they plan to take all of their family to Disney World with their $12,000 prize. The winning ticket was purchased from Jemworks #6 on Highway 22 East in Ponchatoula.

Cool Winnings is a $2 game that offers a chance to win up to 10 times on each ticket. The game has one $12,000 top prize remaining as of Feb. 3.

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 after purchasing.  Information about the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, including other $2 scratch-off games, can be found on its Web site, www.louisianalottery.com.