Canadian lottery player wins first major prize at the age of 94
A lottery player from Ontario proved that it’s never too late in life to hit the jackpot.
Ottawa resident Levi Bacquie is celebrating after winning an Ontario 49 second prize worth $50,000 in the June 28 draw.
The 94-year-old is a longtime player with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. This is his first major windfall.
OLG
āWhen I first discovered Iād won, I had to check my ticket again and again. It was unbelievable,ā he said, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings.
Bacquie shared the amazing news with his son, who believed him immediately.
“Iāll tell more people when Iām ready, but everyone at the grocery store was shocked!ā he recalled.
With his lottery windfall, Bacquie plans to enjoy his retirement and save for his family.
The winning ticket was purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart on Richmond Road in Ottawa.
Bacquie isn’t the only player who won a huge prize later on in life.
Wilfred Kwasny of Hinton, Alta., finally won big in the Aug. 9 Gold Ball draw. He said he has been playing since Lotto 6/49 first launched in 1982.
āNot every draw, but regularly!ā he chuckled. āI save up a few tickets and then check them together.ā
On the other end of the age range, 18-year-old Haleigh Alessandra Bettencourt-Ferraro won a huge lottery prize on the first ticket she ever played. The Minden, Ont. resident nabbed $75,000 after winning a top prize with Instant Gingerbread Bucks.
āI recently spent several months in the hospital, and there were many hard moments. Winning feels amazing and unbelievable. Itās like being stuck on your favourite roller coaster,” she said.
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,Ā check out these resources.