Canadian lottery winner thrilled to be mortgage-free after big win
What would you do if you won the lottery? For one Canadian man, the answer is simple: become mortgage-free.
Lottery player Marc Bédard lives in Laurentides, Que., where he works as a store employee. One day in December, he stopped at a convenience store in Pointe-Calumet to purchase a Lotto Max ticket for the Dec. 23 draw. At the time, the jackpot had reached a jaw-dropping $80 million with 43 Maxmillions prizes, each worth $1 million.
After the draw, Bédard went to a store where he asked an employee to validate his ticket. The very first ticket they scanned set off the terminal, which started playing music.
“You win a million!” the employee said.
@atlanticlottery/Instagram
Turns out that Bédard was one of four lottery players in Quebec who scored a Maxmillions prize, making him $1 million richer. He recalled dancing for joy on the spot after finding out about his good fortune.
He immediately shared the news with his shocked spouse by handing her the validation slip and stating, “I won!”
While at the Loto-Quebec headquarters to pick up his cheque, Bédard shared his plans for his winnings. In addition to finally paying off his mortgage, he said he wants to use the money to buy a new car.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Boni-Soir convenience store on 59e Avenue in Pointe-Calumet. The retailer will receive a one per cent commission of $10,000.
The last time someone won the Lotto Max jackpot was on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The top prize was worth $15 million, and the winning ticket was sold in Ontario.
The next draw is on Friday, Jan. 23, and the jackpot is worth $10 million.
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.