NewsWFLA News Channel 8September 9, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa gas station owner told undercover lottery 'winner' $1K ticket was worth $5: officials
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
A Tampa gas station lost its Florida Lottery inventory after undercover investigators reported the owner falsely claimed a $1,000 winning ticket was only worth $5 and kept the prize. State officials stripped the business of its lottery products following the operation.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
Local residents face the risk of lottery retailers misrepresenting winning ticket values and retaining prize money.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationFlorida Lottery“Suspended activity at the gas station and removed all inventory.”locationTampa“City where the incident took place.”OrganizationZoya Shell“Located off West Gandy Boulevard in Tampa.”OrganizationWFLA News Channel 8“Center-bias news outlet publishing the report.”PersonReginald D. Dixon“Provided a statement emphasizing the importance of retailer honesty and integrit”PersonAmar Yasser Hamden“Accused of misrepresenting a $1,000 winning lottery ticket and keeping it for hi”locationWest Gandy Boulevard“Street location where Zoya Shell is situated in Tampa, Fla.”