28-year-old Canadian scores first big lottery win in time for son's birthday
A lottery player from Ontario nabbed her first major lottery win just in time for her son’s birthday.
Massey resident Santana Bob is $350,000 richer after winning a top prize with Instant Banco.
The mom of one said she’s been playing Instant games with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) since she was old enough to buy a ticket. It seems to have paid off because she’s celebrating her first big win at the age of 28.
OLG
“I like to play the lottery about three times a month — it’s something fun to do,” she shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect her winnings.
During a routine trip to the store, Bob said she decided to buy a lottery ticket she’s never played before — Instant Banco.
“I didn’t think much of it at the time. It was just a regular purchase,” she explained.
Later that day, she sat down on her sofa to play her ticket and checked it using the OLG app.
“I froze and stared at the screen, trying to process what I was seeing. I couldn’t believe it! I felt numb, excited, and overwhelmed all at the same time,” she recalled.
Bob shared the amazing news of her lottery win with her mom right away.
“We screamed together,” she recounted with a chuckle. “Then I showed my dad, and his eyes went wide. He was smiling from ear to ear!”
The next person Bob told was her 10-year-old son.
“He was so excited for me. His birthday is next month, and he immediately started making a list of things he wants,” she laughed.
Bob has big plans for her lottery windfall. She wants to buy a new car, treat herself to a shopping spree and invest for the future.
“I need to get a new car, but before this, my options were limited. Now I’m looking forward to going car shopping,” she said.
Bob described winning the lottery as “just pure happiness all around.”
“I’m so grateful and thankful for this experience,” she said.
The lucky lottery winner bought her winning ticket at Stewart’s General Store on Main Street in Webbwood.
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.