Imagine faithfully playing your ‘lucky numbers’ for years without any luck of winning? Well, for this Edmonton man, Bon Truong, lady luck finally visited him, 20 years later after persistently playing the same lottery numbers. Truong won over R917 million in the Lotto Max draw.

Truong has been playing these same numbers for 20 years – 2,3,4,8,9,20 and 30. According to Troung, these numbers are a combination of family birthdays and important dates.

Troung won the Lotto Max draw in October 2018 but didn’t claim his winnings until recently in August 2019. Asked why he waited 10 months before claiming his winnings, Troung said that, “he felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of his winnings”.

However, Truong explains that he had to start thinking about how these winnings would mean for his family and had to make sure they are ready and prepared for it.

According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), this is the largest joint jackpot win in Alberta.

Now, this is not the time to lose your faith in those same lucky numbers you’ve been constantly betting. Lady luck might just turn things around for you too.

 now and you could be the one telling the tale.

Luck pays off 20 years later of playing same numbers for Canadian man

When it comes to food, most people don’t pay a lot of attention to their choice of daily sustenance. For the average individual an ordinary day could consist of a bowl of oats for breakfast, a choice of takeaway for lunch or leftover mac and cheese and for dinner it might be the usual, homecooked meal or a quick dash to the local restaurant. There are some, however, who defy the ordinary, push the boundaries and well, break the bank to indulge in some of the finer foods in life. These individuals seek 5-star quality, high-class restaurants with world-class cuisine but this all comes at a steep price. Although, for some, quality cuisine and exquisite dining experiences are worth the price tag.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to dine like ‘the other half’ or the ‘five percent’ of the population who can afford such luxury, then this is your chance!

Here is an exclusive inside look into some of the finest and most expensive restaurants in the world:

Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama has been around since 1984 and it is a true depiction of the Japanese culture. The restaurant is surrounded by impeccable scenery which gives visitors a once in a lifetime dining experience. The restaurant prides itself in providing the best of Japanese cuisine and offers a ten-course tasting menu which embodies all the indigenous Japanese ingredients and flavours. The restaurant has three Michelin stars, therefore, many flock into the capital city of Japan to experience the exquisite and authentic cuisine of Kyoto Kitcho. However, indulging in Japan’s finest cuisine does not come cheap - a meal at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama costs just over R6 000 per person.

At the core of elegance and true fine dining experience is Le Meurice. With its exceptional contemporary décor and amazing views, Le Meurice provides the ultimate dining experience. The restaurant is famous for its authentic flavourful cuisines, every meal is made from the finest ingredients to preserve the natural flavours of the produce. When it comes to hospitality, Le Meurice provides the highest, as every guest is treated with the utmost attention. So, for the meal price of almost R7 000 per person, this once in a lifetime and sophisticated dining experience will have you feeling like royalty.

Masa, named after renowned Japanese chef and owner of Masa, Masayoshi Takayama, is a world-class sushi bar. Chef Mashayoshi’s cuisine is said to be unlike any other in the world - known for his delicate and simple refinement of all his dishes, Chef Masa produces the highest quality when it comes to sushi. The setting and decor of the restaurant is a representation of the cuisine; beautiful, simple and elegant. The entire dining experience of Masa is about transporting guests through an exquisite journey of all the senses. However, a taste of this unique and sensual dining experience will cost you R8 500 per person.

In Shanghai, China, something extraordinary exists, a one of a kind, dining experience known as UltraViolet. The restaurant was established in 2012 by French Chef, Paul Pairet. Pairet is known for his Avant-Gard inspired cuisines which are influenced by his encounters with various flavours, smells, texture and aromas from all around the world. UltraViolet seats a single table of ten and provides an unconventional twenty-course menu, accompanied by an aesthetically mesmerizing display of lights, sounds, scents, and music. The restaurant’s main goal is to engage the “psycho-taste” and to ultimately evoke emotion from the experimental tastes. This advanced cuisine and dining experience is truly unlike anything imaginable. Naturally, an experience as unique as this one does not come cheap. Anyone dreaming of experiencing this exceptional dining experience will have to be prepared to pay anything between R7 000 and R12 000 per person.

With the title of the most expensive restaurant in the world, SubliMoition defines fantasy and defies the ordinary. The restaurant was founded by Chef Paco Roncero and director Eduardo Gonzales and is situated on the beautiful and vibrant island of Ibiza, Spain. There aren’t many words to describe SubliMotion other than innovative.

SubliMotion is the first to provide a gastronomic experience, with ten Michelin star chefs at the forefront of creating culinary excellence. In addition to the world-class chefs, the creation of this remarkable gastronomic experience is put together by a DJ, illusionist, film director, fashion designer, engineers and many more. Moreover, the restaurant only seats twelve guests at a time making it difficult to get a booking as this unique dining room is usually fully reserved throughout the year. With an array of international chefs, the cuisine is inspired by flavours from all around the world. The menu consists of twenty meals which incorporate the vanguard style into cuisines of various cultures and traditions.

A visit through the restaurant’s website will leave you in awe and amazement. So, one could only imagine what a first-hand dining experience at this purely innovative restaurant would be like. If you are a foodie or just an average Joe looking for an experience of a lifetime, then SubliMotion is one to add to your bucket list – you would probably need to start saving too as a night out at SubliMoition will cost you an astounding R24 000 per person. Certainly, living up to its title of the most expensive restaurant in the world!

If you’ve got some boujee taste buds and dream of being a connoisseur in fine dining, then place your bets on 

. With a payout of up to R1,5 Billion, you can enjoy the finer foods in life.

Indulge in the finer foods in life with a payout of over R1,5 Billion

The history of casinos and gambling dates to a thousand years back with the earliest gambling recorded in about 2300 BC in China. Moreover, there is evidence of an Egyptian dice which dates back to 1500 BC. Gambling has always been a favourite pastime in human history, although, it was still an illegal activity until the year 1638. Yes, there were gambling dens, halls and saloon bars for players to get together and play. Casino di Venezia, in Venice, Italy, was the first legalized casino that allowed players to enjoy gambling activities without getting into trouble with the authorities.

It was only in the late 18th and 19th centuries that the word ‘casino’ was coined, and this birthed some of the world’s most glamorous casinos in Europe. Extravagant palace-like buildings were built for the elite gamblers to fit in. These glamorous buildings consisted of luxury, entertainment, gambling events, high-end boutiques, shopping malls, top-class restaurants, five-star hotels, spas and cruise ships, to tug at your heart’s strings.

We know how costly it is to spend the night at one of the world’s most famous hotels and casinos. So, why not spend your 

 R1,9 billion payout in one of these luxurious hotels and casinos?

1. The Kurhaus of Baden-Baden Casino, Germany

Not only is this one of the oldest casinos to date but it’s the most glamorous and luxurious! Marlene Dietrich, a German-American actress and singer in the 1980s, described The Karhaus as “the most beautiful casino in the world”. It is a spa resort, casino and conference – all in one. The casino is modelled after the royal French palaces and offers classic gambling like roulette, poker and blackjack. For relaxation, guests can visit the hotel’s casino’s spa, go on a tour of the famous Black Forest and visit the tourist destinations in Baden-Baden. Its conference centre is also known to host some of the most prominent international events like the Chess Tourney, Olympic Congress organised by the International Olympic Committee and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit.

2. The Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

This extravagant Las Vegas casino is about 116 000 sq. feet with Italian-themed interiors. The casino’s main attraction is the beautiful fountain situated just outside the hotel. Numerous water shows take place at this amazing fountain which keeps guests entertained and mesmerized throughout the day. For the first time in the Bellagio’s history, the water was set alight in the casino’s most recent water show display. This was done in honour of the season finale of the popular HBO series, The Game of Thrones. In addition to its long list of fame, the Bellagio Casino was also featured in the Ocean’s Eleven movie.

3. Hotel de Paris and Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco

You might have seen this breath-taking hotel in famous movies such as the animated Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and the James Bond offerings like Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye, amongst others. Situated in Monaco, this 18th-century hotel is connected to the Casino de Monte by a short flight of stairs. Both venues are made for high rollers with millions to spend. Furthermore, the hotel is famous for its picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Prince’s Palace, casino hotel, private beach, the finest restaurants, F1 Grand Prix racetrack, historic landmarks, spas and many more. Although the hotel’s rooftop caught fire earlier this year, it is still reported amongst the top hotels with Casino de Monte Carlo a favourite to high rollers.

4. Sun City Resort and Casino, South Africa

As the saying goes “local is lekker”. This South African resort and casino is amongst the world’s most luxurious and expensive casinos in the world. Situated in Rustenburg, North West, Sun City Resort casinos include world-class salon privé at The Palace of the Lost City and Soho Hotel. Local and international high rollers get to take their gaming experience to a whole new level with the state-of-the-art casino features such as; slots, blackjack, roulette and many more. However, there are more activities on offer for that leisure and relaxation time like the big five safari, hot air balloon rides, golf, 5-star restaurants, zip slides, entertainment for the family and many more. Go and discover the thrill of this mythical lost African Kingdom.

Spend your money at this beautiful Las Vegas hotel and casino. This Forbes Guide Five-Star Award-winning hotel offers a leading casino, restaurants, spas, salons, world-class shopping malls, entertainment an incredible nightlife experience. As a guest at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore casino, you would experience once-in-a-lifetime gaming pleasure. You could take things to the ultimate level and spend those big bucks at the various table games, slots, salons, poolside gaming, sportsbooks and the exclusive poker room. Or let off some steam with some of Hollywood’s A-list artists performing at the Encore Beach and XS nightclubs. For shopping addicts, there are high-end stores such as Balmain, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton Men’s stores and many more to splash those millions on.

6. Ibiza Gran Hotel Casino, Balearic Islands, Spain

Book yourself into this grand Balearic Islands’ five-star hotel and casino in Spain. While spending your winnings in grandeur style at the luxurious casino’s slot machines, gambling halls, poker room and a private room with an exclusive table. Described as a ‘gastronomic’ experience, guests can enjoy casual meals and statement drinks in between their gaming from the casino’s three bars and lounge area. To increase your level of pleasure, you could pamper yourself at the hotel’s open spa that offers customised aqua, beauty, fitness and wellness experiences for your wellbeing. If you love the distinct Mediterranean cuisine and exotic island life and culture, then this is the place you would want to visit.

7. Venetian Macao Resort Hotel Casino, China

Described as the world’s largest casino and the Las Vegas of Asia. This Venetian casino hotel is 10,500,000 square feet, with 39 floors. It’s the single largest hotel structure in Asia and recorded as the seventh-largest building in the world by floor area. The casino area is divided into four themed gaming areas – Golden Fish, Imperial House, Red Drago and the Phoenix – with over 6 000 slot machines and 800 gambling tables for that ‘go big or go home’ experience. This hotel-casino is certainly made for big winners and high rollers like yourself. On site, there’s the Sands Shoppes mall which has been described as ‘the ultimate shopping destination’ for those big spenders with their 9-digit status. High-end shops like Cartier, Rolex, Bvlgari, Emporio Armani, Gucci and many others will certainly tickle your fancy. Premium guests get private access to the Paiza Club’s dining and lounge areas, gaming rooms, lobby, reception and private lifts to their rooms.

This VIP experience is truly made for you. So, this could be your chance to explore these luxurious hotels and casinos with 

Take leisure to the next level with the world’s most luxurious hotels and casinos

In the famous words of the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, “

together as a nation, we have the obligation to put sunshine into the hearts of our little ones. They are our precious possessions. They deserve what happiness life can offer.

Therefore, in celebration of the Nelson Mandela Day, LottoStar has donated R120 000 to the #GMAHeartsOfHope. The #GMAHeartsOfHope is an initiative by Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels to raise funds for children in need of life-saving heart operations at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH), in Johannesburg.

The funds raised by #GMAHeartsOfHope will enable 32 children to receive the heart operations they need. The R120 000 contributed by LottoStar will cover three children’s heart operations.

It is reported that 11 000 children are born with congenital heart disease (CHD) and each year, an average of 4 500 children require surgery. Although CHD and other related heart conditions can be successfully managed or treated at specialised centres like the NMCH, a huge number of South African children die because of a lack of medical intervention.

According to the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ), “South Africa has failed to treat its children well” and “has been steadily falling behind internationally accepted levels of care for children with congenital and acquired heart disease.”

On average a child’s heart operation would cost around R40 000 at the NMCH with the waiting list at the government hospitals being very long. In Gauteng alone, over 300 children are reported to be on the waiting list for the paediatric cardio surgery.

Those who are interested in contributing towards the #GMAHeartsOfHope, can do so 

The amount contributed by LottoStar is part of the final winnings from the LottoStar and Jacaranda FM’s 

LottoStar donates R120 000 towards 3 children’s heart operations on Mandela Day

Ever fantasised about what it would be like to step into the shoes of a multi-millionaire? To walk a mile in the life of the rich and famous? Well, in literal terms it is probably one of the costliest miles you would ever walk. The world’s rich and famous own some of the most extravagant shoes and not to mention the most expensive shoes. From jewelled wedges to crystal-embellished heels and waxed croc cowhide leather shoes, to walk a mile in these shoes will certainly cost you a pretty penny.

Find out how much you would have to pay to strut down the street in style:

Jimmy Choo is a famous and well-known brand worldwide and a favourite amongst Hollywood A-listers. These expensive signature shoes are often seen on runways and red carpets around the globe. This year, the famous designer brand created a pair of hologram mesh bootie stilettos. This pair of uniquely designed stiletto booties are sure to have you looking elegant yet edgy. However, this kind of elegance comes at a steep price of 

Alexander McQueen – Jewelled wedge shoes

With its sixteenth-century style contoured in a contemporary look, Alexander McQueen’s piece of art was inspired by the designer’s career as a theatre costume designer. The sumptuous black and the gold jewelled wedge is truly extravagant. A walk in these excessively jewelled beauties will cost you just over 

Miu Miu – Crystal Embellished Patent Leather pumps

Miu Miu, the nickname of the designer brand, Miuccia Prada, is well known for its simple designs. These pair of pumps radiate luxury with its array of crystal embellishments whilst still highlighting the brand’s minimalist style. This pair of pumps will give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to look extravagant yet sophisticated. However, elegance comes at a price. A pair of these pumps will set you back 

Louboutins, the famous designer shoes are also known as ‘red bottoms’, this pair of heels are identified by their red souls and high heels. Musicians sing about these infamous heels that most women could only dream about owning. With its classic style, Louboutin’s celebrates the sexy but strong female and is adorned for its stylish and alluring design. So, if you want to stop traffic and be the envy of all women, a pair of Louboutins will cost you a sultry 

Gucci is probably one of the most famous designer brands and favourite for knockoff materials, worldwide. The Italian couture brand is known for its bourgeoisie Renaissance and often recognised by its signature G. For the rich and famous, Gucci is a fashion staple. One of the brand’s latest additions is their Woven leather boots. With its exceptionally unique design, it’s not something you see every day. Getting your hands on these ones of kind boots will cost you a hefty 

Louis Vuitton – Manhattan Richelieu Men’s Shoe

Louis Vuitton is known for its timeless vintage style and it is a popular French brand that has been a pioneer in the fashion industry for decades. Dressed up in handmade waxed croc cowhide, the Manhattan Richelieu men’s shoe is one of the brands most expensive. These intricately stitched, leather beauties, come at a price tag of 

The Stuart Weitzman brand is one of the most iconic designer shoe brands, Weitzman is known for his decadent designs, creative and grotesque use of colours. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are amongst the list of Hollywood stars who have worn some of these designer shoes. The classic burnt sienna and rust brown coloured stained stilettos, worn by the famous actress, Rita Hayworth, are priced at a staggering 

, and today they are of the most expensive pair of shoes in the world. Most of Weitzman’s million-dollar shoes are not for sale, however, one could only imagine what it might feel like slipping into a pair of these classy shoes.

You could walk the walk in your million-rand pair of shoes, place your bets on

Walk the Walk with a R1,9 Billion Payout

 lottery reaching a soaring R2 Billion top tier payout. Let’s look at some of the most expensive things one can buy with their R2 Billion windfall.

The cheapest but brand-new light private jet that seats seven, costs just over R63 Million in South Africa, while a 17-seater heavy jet costs over R856 Million. Now you can fly in class without waiting hours for your flight to take off. Now that’s “living the African dream”.

2. A Family Vacation to Space for 10 days

How does a two-day travel to space with the family sound? Well, over R706 Million could secure you and your family a 10-day vacation at the International Space Station. Who said money can’t buy you happiness?

Live “the diamonds are forever” life with the world’s most expensive watch. The Graff Diamond’s Hallucination watch comes at a ridiculous R776 Million price tag. It’s costly because it has 110 carats of rare coloured diamonds and it took craftsmen over thousands of hours to make. How crazy is that?

4. The Kensington Palace Gardens in London

Over R1,2 Billion will guarantee you this expensive Kensington Palace Garden in London. This recently renovated palace boasts a space of 5,11 square meters, 12 bedrooms, a Turkish bath, a swimming pool, a picture gallery and a ballroom. What a dream!

Drive not only in style but luxury too, with Rolls Royce’s Sweptail at a R183,4 Million price tag. This jaw-dropping car is off the market and was made exclusively for a super-yacht and aircraft specialist whose identity cannot be revealed by the company. It has a full panoramic sunroof like a racing yacht, royal carriage-like coach and only seats two people. Luxurious!

Christian Louboutin once said, “The stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don't have.” A pair of Jada Dubai and Passion Jewellers’ stilettos would cost you R332 Million. The shoes are adorned with 236 diamonds and a 15-carat D-flawless diamond near the toes for that ‘feminine weapon’ effect. Talk about big shoes to fill right? Don’t let this life pass you by. It’s time to live the dream. Visit LottoStar now and place your bets on our Africa Millions for your chance to win this astronomical payout of over R2 Billion.

What can R2 Billion buy you?

Woodside Special Care Centre – selected by the Flash Drive team

 was established in 1976 and is a sanctuary for the intellectually and physically disabled residents. The home is situated in Rondebosch East, Cape Town and caters for the needs of those who require specialized care and are not able to remain within the care of their families.

A common goal shared by a group of parents – to provide their children who are intellectually and physically challenged with the suitable care for their disabilities. Since its inception, Woodside Special Care Centre has established itself as a safe haven which provides 24-hour care for 80 profoundly intellectually and physically challenged residents. Accommodating, disabled children and young adults, the home provides 24-hour nursing care as well as therapeutic care to improve their quality of life and prevent further illness and infections.

The aim of Woodside is to provide excellent treatment and care along with immaculate staff of an integrated service of loving and stimulating care for intellectually and physically disabled residents. The Special Care Centre provides primary care through services such as children’s activities which comprise of various programmes such as physiotherapy, sensory and motor stimulation.

The Centre administers a variety of phenomenal facilities and services such as a Medizone Health Spa, 24-HOUR nursing care, occupational therapy which accommodate the disabilities of each resident. Along with hourly, daily and monthly respite care to the families of mentally disabled children, the centre also offers speech and language therapy. Woodside established a speech and language pathology department in 2011, which is dedicated to the assessment and treatment of communication and feeding difficulties.

The Woodside Centre has developed from strength to strength in its effort to be recognised as a centre of excellence in the care for intellectually and physically disabled individuals. Members can lend a hand and donate to the centre through various avenues of support initiatives.

To find out how you can provide support to the Woodside Special Care Centre go to their website 

To be part of the change and raise funds for this charity, join

Woodside Special Care Centre 

"I was going insane," Manuel Franco, second highest winner of US Powerball in history, said.

"I looked back at the three other numbers, they all matched. My heart started racing, my blood started pumping, I felt warm. I started screaming”, reacted Franco, when he found out that he had just become the second highest U.S Powerball winner in history.

Franco, of West Allis, Wisconsin, said that “he pretty much felt lucky” the day he bought his tickets. Rightly so, as he became $768 million richer, which is over R10.8 billion in South Africa, when he bought his winning quick pick ticket on March 27, at a Speedway gas station in the Milwaukee suburb of New Berlin. The gas station will receive $100 000 for selling the winning ticket.

Franco would’ve preferred to remain anonymous, however, Under Wisconsin law, winners cannot remain anonymous. "I'm ready and I know how to say no," as he prepares to get many people asking him for money. The $768 million U.S Powerball winner opted to take the lump-sum cash option of $447 million instead of the $768- million US annuity option that is paid over a period of 29 years. He has since quit his job and hopes to contribute some of his winnings to charity in the future.

The U.S Powerball winner will have to deal with the anxiety of having the news of his major winnings made public. However, there is some good news for those future lottery players hoping to win big one day - shortly, after a press conference with Franco, a bill was introduced which will allow all winners to remain anonymous. This will surely provide some relief to future winners as Franco stated, "I got that paranoia when you think the whole world is after you," he said. "I thought there was somebody behind me every single day. It's hard living your life when you have the ticket everybody wants".

We hope that Franco doesn’t let “the paranoia” stop him from spending his winnings and living his best life.

congratulates the lucky winner, you could also be a winner with LottoStar’s

. Draws take place every Thursday and Sunday. Place your bets now

Mixed Emotions for Second Highest U.S Powerball Winner

Did you have a feeling that you would win when you placed your bet that day?

This is the second time I’ve come close to winning a big payout, so, yes, I had a feeling that one day I would win it. However, if you count how much you spend and how much your return is, it’s still a close call.

Tell us about when you came close to winning the last time, what game was it on?

, it was directly on the American lottery and the payout was $243 million, I had also got five plus one in row two. Unfortunately, in those days the row two in the American Lottery was only paying $10 000. It was very close. So, that’s why I felt confident that I would win a big one, one day.

What was your first reaction when you realized you won R750 000?

It was fantastic because I need to wear glasses to see. So, I saw the amount on my phone, and thought, is it R7000 or what have I won? So, I quickly went to my car to put my glasses on and I said ‘Oh my God’! It’s R750 000! So, straight away, I took one of the cigars from my collection, I lit the cigar and had a nice drink.

Who was the first person you shared the exciting news with and what was their reaction?

My girlfriend! I share all my winnings with her so, I said there you go, this is some money coming your way. I also have this habit to help a lot of people who are really in need not people who come to me with their own problems, but I help people who really deserve it.

What will you be doing with your winnings?

As I mentioned, I’m going to help a few people and the remainder will be for my daughter and my grandkids. They are coming to visit me from Europe in December. So, I will have a very special surprise for them. I’m going to take them away for a week somewhere, I haven’t really decided where but I’m going to take them on a fully paid holiday to a very nice lodge.

Have you told your family about your win?

No, it must be a surprise. If I told them now that I’ve won, they would suspect that I’m going to buy something for them. I’ll just play innocent, when they ask me how things are going, I’ll just say fine, lots of work and good business.

When placing your bet, did you decide to pick your own numbers, or did you use the quick pick option?

I usually do a bit of both, this time I chose my own numbers. It was not my usual numbers as I used to bet the same numbers all the time, but I picked different numbers that made sense, not necessarily 1,2,3,4 or whatever.

What do you think of LottoStar and your experience?

I have played on LottoStar for quite some time. I have mainly had a good experience betting on LottoStar. Your system works.

Will you continue to place bets on the UK Lottery Plus and other lotteries?

Do you have any advice for others hoping to win millions?

There are no rules on this. It’s pure luck and nothing else.

The overall winning numbers from the UK Lottery Plus were 1, 7, 26, 34, 52, 53, and 10 as the bonus ball.

LottoStar congratulates the winner. Bet now on the UK Lottery Plus and you could be the next big winner!

Blogs by staff writer