Canadian lottery player chooses lump sum after winning $25,000 a year for life
After decades of playing the lottery, one Canadian is finally enjoying the payoff — a massive lump sum that promises more financial security.
Craig Pages is a resident of Thunder Bay, Ont., and for the past 25 years, he’s been trying his luck in the lottery. Despite never winning any major prizes, he continued to play, often purchasing Daily Grand tickets, one of his favourite games. But one day, Pages’ luck finally changed.
“I checked my ticket using the OLG app on my phone and realized I’d won big when I heard the winning sound,” the 55-year-old shared. “I was in shock!”
Pages discovered that he had matched the five winning numbers — 01, 02, 39, 41, and 49 — in the July 21 Daily Grand draw. That meant that he had won the second prize: $25,000 a year for life.
The father of two and grandfather of one recalled sharing the unexpected news with his wife.
Erman Gunes/Shutterstock | OLG
“She was shocked as well,” he said with a smile.
Rather than choosing annual payments of $25,000, Pages decided to claim the lump sum payment, which means he’s now $500,000 richer.
While at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his cheque, he shared that he hasn’t really made any plans for his windfall yet and is still trying to process his good fortune.
“It still hasn’t really sunk in,” he admitted.
The winning ticket was purchased at Petro-Canada on Arthur Street West in Thunder Bay.
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.