Canadian Gen Z is set for life after a major lottery win

A young Canadian man can look forward to a financially stress-free future after scoring a major lottery win.

Cameron McKenzie, who’s in his 20s, is a lottery player who lives in Québec’s Capitale-Nationale region. One day, he stopped at the Couche-Tard convenience store, where he noticed a $5 Gagnant à vie Limited Edition ticket displayed in the register case.

He recalled asking the clerk, “Have you ever seen anyone win the top prize?”

When the clerk said he hadn’t, McKenzie quipped, “Just wait and see, I’ll win.”

While at home later that evening, he started playing his ticket when he uncovered three VIE symbols. Unsure about what that meant, he rushed to tell his mother, who scanned his ticket using the Loto-Quebec app. To his surprise, he had won the game’s top prize of $1,000 a week for life.

McKenzie said that he and his mom woke up his dad, who had already gone to bed, and, in their excitement, the entire family stayed up almost all night.

Loto-Quebec

A representative for Loto-Quebec told Daily Hive in an email that the winner’s decision isn’t disclosed. However, the winner can choose between receiving the weekly annuity payments of $1,000 or a $1-million lump sum.

While at the Loto-Quebec headquarters to pick up his cheque, McKenzie said he plans to use his winnings for his studies. He’s also looking forward to pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer.

The winning ticket was bought at the Couche-Tard convenience store at 1601 Avenue Industrielle, in Québec City’s Val-Bélair sector. The retailer will receive a one per cent commission of $10,000.

All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.