Canadian lottery winner to celebrate being debt-free with a vacation
An Ontario lottery player is excited to treat herself after a huge win.
London resident Tracey Cooper is celebrating after winning a $200,000 prize with Instant Plinko.
The education worker has been a regular lottery player with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for over a decade. She typically plays Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, but also enjoys Instant tickets, which her husband usually gifts to her.
“I started playing Plinko when it launched because I loved The Price is Right,” shared Cooper. Little did she know that the classic Instant game would lead her to her first big win.
OLG
She took her Plinko ticket to the store for validation after she uncovered a Chip prize while playing it. Cooper said she expected to win just $10 or $20, but then she saw the Plinko chip drop on the screen and land in the middle of the board.
“I was absolutely stunned and began to shake. I knew right away that I’d be coming to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto for a live Plinko Event. Even then, it didn’t feel real!” she said.
Cooper’s husband and friend accompanied her on the day of the live event.
OLG
“Seeing the board for the first time, I was overwhelmed with emotion. When I got to the top, it felt surreal,” she recalled. “I looked into the audience and couldn’t see anything other than my husband and friend — my personal cheering squad!”
She dropped her Plinko chip down the board, and it bounced toward the bottom. The crowd erupted into applause at the announcement of her $200,000 lottery win.
OLG
“This is an incredible amount!” Cooper said with a smile. “It’s more than I ever dreamed I’d win.”
She says her dad played the lottery for as long as she could remember. “He would be thrilled for me today.”
The win is a big deal for Cooper as it means she’ll finally be able to pay off her debt.
OLG
“I can’t even express how meaningful that is for me. I want to celebrate by going on a vacation,” she said. “I’m thinking of taking a cruise of the Caribbean to explore the beautiful islands, or going on a historical tour of Europe. I have some very exciting decisions to make!”
Cooper bought her winning lottery ticket at Sak’s Market Place on Rectory Street in London.
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.