Canadian scores second massive lottery win in eight years

One Canadian lottery player has managed to beat the odds yet again by winning a massive prize for the second time.

In 2017, Marcel Leclaire of Sudbury, Ont., was wrapping up work when he decided to purchase a Lotto 6/49 ticket with Encore for the Sept. 2 draw.

“I play Encore every single time because it gives me another chance to win,” he said.

When he checked his ticket at home, he realized he had won $1,000, but upon closer inspection, he thought he had won $10,000. However, he soon noticed the extra zeros — he had won the $1-million Encore top prize.

At the time, he said he planned to use his winnings to visit family.

“I have seven brothers and sisters who live in Ontario and across Canada, including British Columbia,” he shared, while claiming his prize. “My dream is to travel west to visit family, taking time to see the country and reconnect with the people I love.”

Marcel Leclaire with his first lottery win in 2017 (OLG)

The 72-year-old retiree could never have imagined that he’d be back at the OLG Prize Centre — this time to claim an even bigger prize.

After his 2017 win, Leclaire said, “I still play weekly.”

One day, while at a convenience store, he decided to splurge on a $30 Instant Platinum ticket.

“This ticket was nice and shiny, and it caught my eye, so I bought it,” he shared.

He played his ticket at the store and couldn’t believe his luck: he had won the Instant Platinum top prize worth $3 million. Leclaire said he shared the news with some friends who were all thrilled about his win.

Now a multimillionaire, he said he wants to use his money to buy a house and share it with his family.

Marcel Leclaire with his second lottery win (OLG)

“This is just amazing,” he said. “It’s an incredible feeling.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Lasalle Boulevard in Sudbury.

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.