Something is happening at a small lotto shop in Maddington and people are starting to notice.
At Good Fortune Lottery Centre, customers are not just buying tickets.
They are lining up, asking questions, bringing friends and even travelling from outside the area to try their luck.
Owner Ushan Iddamalgoda has seen the change up close.
“Things have picked up lately,” he said. “Since this year began, we’ve sold 11 Division Two winners.”
That run of wins has raised some interests.
“Lot of customers are very enthusiastic to buy lottery tickets. Buy more. Buy more,” he said.
Some are coming in just to check tickets, but many are there for one reason.
“They want to try their luck, especially here. People come from far away because we sell winning tickets.”
The shop has long been known among locals, but Ushan believes its reputation has grown over time.
“Of course, yes. We have built a reputation for a long time. It’s been increasing,” he said.
The store’s track record helps explain why. Last year alone, Ushan said the shop recorded 26 Division One winners and 37 Division Two winners.
That reputation is not just bringing back regulars. It is also attracting new faces.
“I find more new people as well. People are spending more money. And a lot of newcomers want to learn how to play.”
Many are new to Australia and unfamiliar with how the games work. Ushan and his team take time to guide them.
“We teach them how to play. There are so many different games, so they want to know how it works.”
Still, he is quick to point out there is no formula.
“It’s just luck.”
Alongside the recent lotto wins, the shop also sold a major scratchie prize.
“It was a three-dollar scratch and win and the first prize is 50,000. They got the 50,000 here for three dollars,” he said.
Inside the shop, there is more curiosity. Customers ask questions, seek advice and celebrate small wins along the way. Some even stick to their own rituals.
“They still rub my belly,” Ushan said.
The most rewarding part for Ushan is not just the business boost, but the people.
“I’m very happy. We see all the happy faces. People queue up to buy tickets.”
Sometimes, the impact goes beyond excitement.
“This morning, a lady came and thanked me. I sold a winning ticket to her a week after her husband died,” he said.
“She said she needed the money and she will never forget it.”
While many chase the big prize, Ushan says smaller wins are common and keep people going.
“You don’t have to win Division One. People win smaller prizes. Division Two, we have sold a lot.”
So why do people keep coming back?
“Because this is a winning store,” he said.
“They say there are good vibes here. And the staff are friendly. Customer service is very important. All my staff have a smile.”
For those still unsure about trying their luck, Ushan sees it a little differently.
“All the profit goes to charity. Hospitals, roads, disabled people. It all goes back to the community,” he said.
“People are happy in that way because they can see where the money goes.”
