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Millionaire wins $1m a year scratch-card prize
Jonathan Prynn, Consumer Affairs Editor30 Oct 2008
A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE London investment banker has landed the top prize of $1million a year for life in a new scratch-card game.
Kenan Altunis, 33, head of foreign exchange sales at the UniCredit bank, scooped the first jackpot in a New York lottery.
The remarkable win comes at a time when thousands of City workers are losing their jobs or having to accept deep cuts in bonuses because of the credit crunch.
Turkish-born Mr Altunis insisted the win would not "materially change my life". "I have been a very blessed and fortunate person."
The Chelsea supporter gave his mother $100 to spend on lottery tickets on a trip to New York last month. She bought three of the $30 tickets then threw in $20 of her own to pay for a fourth, which won.
The top prize was a $1million-a-year income (£604,000 on current exchange rates) with a guaranteed payout of $20million if he dies in less than 20 years. After tax he will receive $931,500 (£565,000) a year.
The banker has lived in the capital since 1997, took British citizenship in 2003 and "absolutely" considers himself a Londoner. Mr Altunis lives with his wife and young daughter in a flat in Clerkenwell.
Reader views (12)
Well done sir would you like to purchase some more shares I know of a great company where you pay for the shares in instalments it is in the mobile phone business.That way you could benefit other peoples cash flow
- Bobby Sanchez, england, 31/10/2008 10:07
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I don't have a problem with his money - but it shouldn't have been allowed to go to a chelsea supporter!
- Mark Wyler, London, 31/10/2008 09:50
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Surely, if his mum bought the winning ticket with her own money...she won???? Or am I reading this wrong?
- Angela, Devon, S. Devon, 31/10/2008 04:33
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You can't win it if you aren't in it! He was in it and he won, fair and square. Good for him. I do hope he helps others with it, though.
- Julie, Ohio, USA, 31/10/2008 00:01
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Apples to where there are orchards or its the rich that get the gravey the poor that gets the blame. La meme chose
- John, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, 30/10/2008 18:23
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He'll give it away, mark my words!
- Andpigsmightfly, Purley, 30/10/2008 17:13
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No, money does not go to money, money goes to those that take part. Britain does its best to chop down those that are successful. Making money and having money is not a crime.
I say good luck to the guy, and if he is lucky enough not to need it, or part of it, then I am sure Help for Heroes, BBC Children in Need or The princes Trust would not say no to a donation.
- John Kirby, Crouch End, Islington, 30/10/2008 16:49
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yep - money goes to money!
- Chris, London, UK, 30/10/2008 15:49
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Bloody typical, money attracts money ... or some lowlife would win it! 
- John, London, 30/10/2008 15:22
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Money goes to money.
- Dave, cumbria, 30/10/2008 15:17
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I thought the NY lotto was for state residents only? What a shame if Mr Altunis had to return the money!
- Paulo Uccello, London UK, 30/10/2008 15:17
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You have to play to win.
He played.
He won.
Good luck to him. It isn't an envy and social conscience guilt trip issue unless you're that way inclined anyway.
- Rogan, Irving, 30/10/2008 14:55
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