NY Man Wins Lottery On Madoff Prison Numbers

(AP)

Ralph Amendolaro, 50, noticed the digits under Madoff's mug on the front page of the Daily News the day after he pleaded guilty - 61727-054. He stopped at a corner store near his home on March 13 and played last three digits in New York State's "Numbers" lottery game.

His earnings -- which may be more than Madoff's other investors get these days -- was a $1,500 prize for $9 spent. That's a 16,000% return -- better than even what Madoff had promised.

Amendolaro told The Daily News he planned to hand a chunk of the cash over to his wife for a 50th birthday trip to Las Vegas with friends. He said he doubted that Madoff would be happy with his role in Amendolaro's good fortune.

"He'll probably want a cut."