Finally, the mystery Portuguese Euromillions’ winner has claimed his/her €190 million cash prize.
After days of mounting excitement at the little kiosk that registered the winning paper, tobacconist Graça Nunes heard today that the prize had been claimed directly from the Santa Casa lottery games department’s head office – and, not surprisingly, the winner is trying to keep a low profile.
Nonetheless, her little business ‘Sobedis’ in Castelo Branco has done well from all the publicity.
“It has been crazy since people heard the €190 million prize was registered here,” she told Público. “Business is going better and the number of people coming to bet on ‘Euromilhões’ has increased. Just this morning, hundreds of people came, thinking they’ll get more luck here.”
It’s an impression that gained traction after another player placed a two euro bet last week, and won €1000, relative and co-worker José Manuel told the paper.
Público reveals that the government is also delighted by the win, as it instantly receives 20% – a cool €38 million.
Since it was launched in 2004, Euromilhões spending has netted Portugal almost €4 billion – all of which has been channelled into social causes. Meantime, Portuguese gamers have won over €4.7 billion in prizes and are among Europe’s most loyal, superseded only by Spain, UK and France.
According to Público, the Portuguese area that has registered the highest number of Euromilhões winners is Porto.
And anyone keen to try their luck should know that the 10th-year Euromilhões anniversary is to be marked by a “Jackpot Extra” of €100 million.
