Early retirement for Canadian after winning the lottery with coworkers

A jackpot win for a group of Canadian coworkers has turned one lottery player’s early retirement dream into reality.

For years, Guelph, Ont., residents San Do, Duc Tu, Gizel Gonzalez, Ha Viet Pham, Thanh Nguyen, and Tuyet Ly worked together in the automotive industry. In 2018, the group of coworkers decided to try their luck and play the lottery together. They said they regularly buy tickets for several games, such as Ontario 49, Lotto Max, and Lotto 6/49.

Do was the one who discovered that they had won while using the OLG app to check their ticket.

“At first, I thought we won $2,000,” he said. “After taking a closer look, I realized it was $2 million!”

The group had won the Ontario 49 jackpot worth $2 million in the Ontario 49 draw on Aug. 30. Split between the six of them, that means they each received a share worth $333,333.

“I was shaking with excitement,” recalled Do. “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep, so I started calling my group members.”

He wasn’t the only one in shock.

“I didn’t believe it until we all went to check the ticket together,” said Pham.

“We were so happy,” added Ly.

Irish Mae Silvestre/Daily Hive

Do said that the group hugged and celebrated when they heard the news.

“I once had a dream where I matched six numbers and won the lottery,” he said. “Now, that dream has come true!”

But while the win appears to have brought the group closer, it also means goodbye for one coworker — Ly plans to use their winnings to retire early.

Do said he’ll invest his portion and save for a new car, Tu will treat their wife to a long vacation, while Pham will pay some bills and share the windfall with their son. Nguyen will pay some bills, help with their daughter’s education, and buy a Ford Raptor. Gonzalez said she’ll pay off her car and put away her winnings for retirement.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Speedvale Avenue West 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.