California Gold Contestants Pan Up $225,000 In Cash

01.22.2000
California Gold Contestants Pan Up $225,000 In Cash

SACRAMENTO -- California Lottery's "Big Spin® 2000" show airs Saturday January 22, 2000 in twelve television markets statewide. Contestants on this week's show won a total of $325,000.

California Gold contestants won a total of $225,000 on this week's show. Wanda Carter, of Los Angeles was the top winner with $150,000. "I want to use my prize money to take care of my daughter, my three grandchildren and my mom," said Carter. Levarn Dorsey, a Safety Technician from Victorville won $30,000. Other California Gold contestants won a combined total of 45,000.

Fantasy^TM5 contestants had a chance to make their dreams come true playing the Fantasy 5 Dream Machine. "I want to buy a motor home and visit my son," said Lisette Podhorsky, a retired homemaker from Santa Ana. Podhorsky dropped three balls on the Fantasy 5 Dream Machine to win a total of $75,000. Another Fantasy 5 player, Larry Benvin, a painting contractor from Anaheim said, "I want to take my wife to Ireland for our Anniversary." Benvin had the luck of the Irish and won $25,000.

The California Lottery sells its products through a network of more than 18,000 outlets statewide. The Lottery provides 52 percent of its revenues to players as prizes, 34 percent to public schools, and 14 percent for administrative expenses, which includes 6.8 percent for retailer commissions. Since 1985, the Lottery has raised more than $11 billion for public schools. The California Lottery's contribution equals approximately 2 percent of the state's total education budget. "Big Spin® 2000" is the longest running Lottery game show in the country, airing continuously since 1985.

NAME	CITY	AMOUNT
Wanda Carter	Los Angeles	$150,000
Lisette Podhorsky	Santa Ana	$75,000
Levarn Dorsey	Victorville	$30,000
Larry Benvin	Anaheim	$25,000
Other California Gold Winners		$45,000
		TOTAL $325,000

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2000 1st Quarter Press Releases: Article