Tampa Lottery Retailer Accused Of Trying To Keep $1,000 Winning Ticket

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa convenience store owner is facing legal action after a Florida Lottery undercover investigation found he tried to misrepresent a customer’s $1,000 winning lottery ticket as a $5 winner, the agency said in a news release.

The incident happened Aug. 19 during an undercover compliance check at the Zoya Shell gas station at 3602 W. Gandy Blvd.

An undercover Florida Lottery special agent visiting the store presented two energy drinks, a losing scratch-off ticket and a winning ticket to the clerk, the agency said.

Store owner Amar Yasser Hamden scanned the winning ticket, which prompted the Florida Lottery terminal to print a “Player Claim Instructions” receipt because the prize was more than $599.

Hamden told the agent the ticket was worth $5, then kept the $1,000 ticket and receipt behind the counter, Florida Lottery said.

When investigators identified themselves and asked about the ticket, Hamden allegedly said he had thrown it in the trash.

Investigators later found the winning ticket and claim receipt inside his vehicle, the agency said.

Officials subsequently shut down lottery sales at the store and removed its lottery inventory.

Hamden was issued a notice to appear in court for a violation of Florida law prohibiting the unlawful transfer or assignment of lottery prize claims.

“Retailers are entrusted with serving Florida Lottery players and handling winning tickets with honesty and integrity,” Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon said in a statement. “We take that responsibility seriously, and when a retailer violates that trust, we will act to protect our players and the integrity of the Lottery.”

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