2007 Press Releases

Delaware Lottery to Send Wilmington Man to American Idol™ Finals

Dover, DE --Charles L. Ceaser of Wilmington likes to play Delaware Lottery games because as he says "You've got to play to win." And win he did, as the 42-year-old recently scored the grand prize in the American Idol instant game.

His prize includes round trip airfare to Los Angeles, five days and four nights of hotel accommodations, two tickets to the American Idol final competition, two tickets to the American Idol season finale, access to a post show VIP party and $1,000 spending cash. The entire prize is valued at $8,000.

Ceaser, 42, said he intends on bringing his mother, Mary Ceaser, with him. He added that they are both fans of the show and are eagerly awaiting their trip.

"I'm never been to California," he said. "I'm really looking forward just seeing the sights and, of course, the final shows. Those should be fun. I don't really have a favorite. I'm just pulling for the most talented singer."
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Ceaser was chosen as the grand prize winner through a second chance drawing. He submitted his non-winning American Idol game tickets online at www.delottery.com.

"There really are no losing tickets," he said. "I can attest to that."

The second-chance winning ticket was purchased at Benson's Liquor Market located at 737 West Fourth Street in Wilmington.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Delaware Gambling Helpline at 1-888-850-8888.

Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $2.1 billion to the state's General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, and assorted Instant Games.

Licensing rights were obtained by MDI Entertainment, LLC.