Group of strangers in Canada split massive $25-million lottery prize
A group of nine Canadian strangers are floating on cloud nine together after splitting a massive lottery jackpot.
The Quebec residents — eight from Laval and one from the Laurentides region — have split the $25-million Lotto Max Jackpot, won in the July 10 draw.
Group wins typically involve families, friends, or coworkers, but these nine strangers had their lives changed by purchasing a share of a Formule groupe ticket.
Offered by Loto-Québec, a Formula groupe lottery ticket allows you to buy one or more shares in a group formed by a retailer.
Loto-Québec
- You might also like:
- Hardworking couple 'came to Canada with nothing,' scores $70M jackpot
- Canadian lottery winner thrilled by free plays before noticing much bigger prize
- 22-year-old Canadian scores lottery prize after finding ticket under pillow
This particular groupe ticket was sold in 10 shares (one winner bought two shares), each valued at $2.5 million, and was made up of most of the same people playing through Dépanneur Saint-Maxime Inc.
The Laval-based convenience store shared the news to several of the winners, including a stunned Paul Émile Denis and a shocked Gabriel Aouad.
Thierno M. Sadigou Diallo was the twice-lucky winner of the group, with his two shares valued at $5 million.
“I thought it was amazing when I saw all those zeros,” said Diallo, who said he planned on buying a property for his family and making some investments.
Loto-Québec
Fellow winner Djelloul Saidi revealed that he only stopped in front of Dépanneur Saint-Maxime Inc. because his car had a mechanical issue.
The unscheduled stop led to him purchasing a share of the lottery group play.
“Funny how chance works,” he said, adding that he wanted to surprise his wife at her workplace with the cheque in hand.
And Kamel Arezki discovered his big win when he validated his ticket at a pharmacy.
Loto-Québec
“I haven’t seen the beach in a long time,” said Arezki, who added that a trip in the future will “1,000 per cent” happen.
Dépanneur Saint-Maxime Inc., found in the Chomedey area of Laval, will receive a one per cent commission of $250,000 for selling all 10 shares of the winning Lotto Max Formule groupe ticket.
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.