Man Complains Over Missing Ticket

AUSTRALIA – As reported by the Herald Sun: "A man who claims he was unfairly deprived of a $1.2 million Tattslotto win has taken his campaign against Tattersall's to VCAT.

"Jemal Abdelrehim partly blames the gambling operator for his loss, alleging it denied him information and stymied investigations into his belief that his winning ticket was stolen.

"Mr Abdelrehim agreed yesterday to supply documentation to Tattersall's in a brief directions hearing in which the company said it wanted the case summarily dismissed.

"Outside the tribunal, Mr Abdelrehim said he bought two System 10 tickets at a shop in East Melbourne near his flat.

"It was for the $16 million Tattslotto draw No. 2165 on April 20, 2002 with a Division One prize of $1,230,769.24.

"He had not checked the tickets but when he returned to the shop the Monday week after, the shop assistant who sold him the ticket said he had expected him because they had been notified someone bought a Division One winning ticket.

"…He said when he searched for his ticket he could not find it in his clothing, apartment or at work.

"…He claimed that when he rang Tattersall's to report his claim no one returned his phone call.

"When Mr Abdelrehim contacted police, who made inquiries with Tattersall's, they were told that his ticket was a Quick Pick rather than System 10, and the matter could not be traced further…"