Canadian retiree scores first huge lottery win after decades of playing
A woman from Ontario nabbed her first huge win after decades of playing the lottery.
Mississauga resident Petra Hardt is celebrating after winning a $350,000 top prize with Instant Crossword Extreme.
The 70-year-old has been a loyal player with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for over 30 years.
“I like to get an Instant ticket to enjoy while I have my evening coffee,” she said. The retiree is thrilled about her first big win.
OLG
Hardt was in disbelief when she discovered she had won the lottery while at home.
“It was totally unexpected. I only told a few friends and family members, and they were absolutely thrilled for me,” she recalled.
The retiree has many plans with her windfall. She wants to share it with family and friends, invest in her future, and complete some renovations to upgrade her condo.
Hardt also looks forward to treating herself to a vacation somewhere warm to escape the frigid Canadian winter.
“Winning is an unreal and amazing feeling. It was just a magical moment!” she concluded.
The retiree bought her winning lottery ticket at Number One Convenience on Hurontario Street in Mississauga.
Hardt isn’t the only lottery player who hit the jackpot later in life.
Ottawa resident Levi Bacquie won an Ontario 49-second prize worth $50,000 in the June 28 draw. It was the 94-year-old player’s first lottery windfall, proving that it’s never too late in life to win big.
“When I first discovered I’d won, I had to check my ticket again and again. It was unbelievable,” he said, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings.
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.