Prizewinner Tian Ting acquired the 3,000 yuan (US$363) stake after spending 1,620 yuan (US$196) on treating her friends to a meal at a local restaurant on August 2.

Miss Tian was so excited about her good luck that she came to cash in the prize on August 2 without bringing her identification card, which is required for cashing in a receipt.

Taxation officials gave Tian 3,000 yuan in cash after confirming that Tian's prize-winning receipt and ID were real. Tian did not have pay tax on her winnings.

The young woman said she seldom asked for receipts for expenses except for the occasions when he had to give the receipts to her company.

"Things are different now. Asking for receipts not only may bring about luck, but also helps the government to fight tax evasion," said Tian.

Beijing put into use the lottery receipts in 11 districts and counties on Aug. 1 to raise tax revenue and combat tax evasion. In addition, taxation departments are able to look into the actual operation of businesses.

Lottery prizes range from 100 yuan (US$12) to 5,000 yuan (US$605).

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2002)