NewsWFLA (NBC 8) — Hillsborough CountySeptember 9, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa gas station owner told undercover lottery 'winner' $1K ticket was worth $5: officials
Photo: WFLA (NBC 8) — Hillsborough County
State investigators stripped a Tampa gas station of its Florida Lottery inventory after undercover agents caught the owner allegedly attempting to misrepresent a $1,000 winning ticket's value as $5 and pocketing the prize himself. Officials stated the action was taken following the undercover sting operation targeting lottery retail compliance.
Read the full story at WFLA (NBC 8) — Hillsborough CountyWhy It Matters
The gas station permanently loses its ability to sell Florida Lottery products following allegations of deceptive practices by its owner during an undercover state operation.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationFlorida Lottery“Conducted the undercover compliance investigation and suspended the station's in”locationZoya Shell“Gas station located off West Gandy Boulevard where the undercover operation took”locationTampa“City where the gas station is located”PersonReginald D. Dixon“Provided a statement emphasizing retailer integrity”OrganizationWFLA“Reported on the undercover investigation”PersonAmar Yasser Hamden“Owner of Zoya Shell gas station investigated by Florida Lottery special agents”