3/18/2009 - 8:33 AM

Hammond Woman Buys "Spicy" Top Prize Winning Scratch-off

Tiffany Matthews of Hammond claimed a $7,777 top prize from a "Spicy 7's" scratch-off at Lottery headquarters with her husband, Sylvester, and son, Jonas.

After winning smaller prizes playing Spicy 7's scratch-offs, Tiffany Matthews of Hammond bought a ticket with one of the game's $7,777 top prizes.

"I kept winning smaller amounts," said Matthews, age 42. "This time, I bought five tickets and brought them home to scratch. The second ticket was a top prize winner."

Matthews said she plans to use her winnings to renovate her house and to buy household appliances for her children.

She purchased her winning scratch-off from Runway Chevron on Highway 190 East in Hammond.

Spicy 7's is a $2 game that offers a chance to win up to 10 times on each ticket. The game has one $7,777 top prize remaining as of March 17.

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