Everyone has a dream of winning the lottery.

For Sam Di Nucci, that dream came true last year for one of his regular customers. 

“I’ve owned North Melbourne Lotto since 2018. Over the years, you get to know the regulars who come in and buy the same lotto tickets every week,” says Sam. “In July 2021, one of our regular customers got lucky - he was one of the major jackpot winners, and the prize was about $900,000!”

Whether big or small, each win is a moment of good fortune for Sam’s customers.

“I've had people that are overwhelmed by an unexpected win, even on smaller amounts rather than jackpots. Winning on a scratchie or the lotto can be life-changing for a person - that windfall could come at just the right time.”

The most popular purchase in-store is the Thursday night Powerball, with customers trying their luck at a jackpot win.

“It's the one that goes up to $100 million, or $80 million on a regular basis. And that's the one that gets everyone's attention.”

If you aren’t after a punt with lotto, at North Melbourne Lotto, you can also source great stationery for your home or office, greeting cards or kids’ art supplies. This was particularly handy while people were working from home and kids were being taught from home. 

In a previous life, Sam worked in luxury goods in Sydney, but a move back to Melbourne seventeen years ago saw him look for other business opportunities. Together with his brother, he became the owner and operator of a lotto store in Melbourne’s north before receiving a call about an opportunity to purchase North Melbourne Lotto.

“There has been a lotto shop in North Melbourne for decades, and I purchased the business because I knew that North Melbourne was an up-and-coming suburb.”

Sam loves North Melbourne’s suburban feel, even being on the edge of the city. He is well entrenched within the North Melbourne community with plans to continue providing great service to his customers.

“The one thing that I've learned about North Melbourne is everyone knows everybody, and it’s almost like a small country town,” he smiles.

“Everyone is so friendly, and that was proven during COVID with how supportive the locals have been to local businesses.

“I love talking to people and getting to know their story, their routine, and their rituals. It’s a really tight-knit community.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna EncIO