A lucky loonie leads Canadian to a huge lottery win
An Ontario lottery player is proving how it pays to check your pockets for spare change after it led him to win a huge prize.
Guelph resident Matthew Young matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the April 11 Lotto Max draw to win $100,000.
The transportation industry worker has been playing the lottery with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for nearly five years.
He enjoys playing Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and Ontario 49, using OLG’s Quick Pick feature to make his selections. This was his first major win.
âI was on my way home when I decided to stop for gas. While my partner was filling up the tank, I went into the station to buy a Lotto Max ticket,â Young recounted while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings. âLuckily, I found a dollar in my pocket, which I used to add Encore to my ticket.â
The next morning, Young decided to check his lottery ticket using a checker at another store.
âWhen I saw the numbers on the screen, I was taken aback,â he shared.
OLG
He called his partner and asked her to pick him up. Young says she was worried something was wrong, so she quickly left the house in her pyjamas to get him.
âWhen my partner arrived, I got in the car and said, âI think I won the lottery â $100,000!’ She jokingly responded, âWow! So, where are we going now?â It was a moment of shock and excitement for both of us,â recounted Young.
He shared the amazing news with his family, neighbours, and coworkers. âThey were very happy for me and congratulated me, saying this couldnât have happened to a better person.â
Young plans to treat himself to some retail therapy and a vacation with his lottery windfall.
âThis win helps take some pressure off. Being a winner feels awesome!â he concluded.
The transportation worker bought his winning ticket at Rainbow Gas Bar on Edinburgh Road North in Guelph.
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.