Canadian landscaper turns $20 lottery win into an even bigger prize
An Ontario player capitalized on a minor lottery win and turned it into an even bigger prize.
Kitchener resident Marco Perez matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the May 27 Lotto Max draw to win $100,000.
The landscaper has been playing with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for 10 years. His go-to games are Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49. He usually plays twice a week, making sure to add Encore to his lottery tickets and using OLG’s Quick Pick feature to choose his numbers.
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This routine has finally paid off for Perez, nabbing him his first major win.
“I had a $20 winning ticket, so I decided to cash it in and purchase some new ones — including this Lotto Max with Encore,” Perez recalled, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings.
He found out about the huge lottery win one day at work while he was grabbing drinks at a store.
“That’s when I scanned my ticket using the ticket checker and discovered I’d won big. I was speechless and had to check it four times, just to be sure it was real,” Perez shared with a laugh.
He described the moment as both surprising and joyful.
“My coworker was with me at the time, and he was stunned too,” recounted Perez. “Later that day, I called my wife and my parents to tell them about the win. They were all in shock and couldn’t believe it, but they were thrilled for me.”
The landscaper has important plans for his lottery windfall. He hopes to help his family, pay off bills and invest for the future.
“Being a winner comes with a mix of emotions: disbelief, happiness, and peace of mind. I’m truly overjoyed,” he concluded.
Perez bought his winning lottery ticket at Hasty Market on Ontario Street South in Kitchener.
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.