Twelve total strangers just split a $1 million Lotto Max prize
A group of Canadian lottery winners met for the first time when they showed up to claim their share of a Lotto Max prize.
Most group wins are between people who know each other — friends, coworkers, or family — but this group of Lotto Max winners were complete strangers to each other.
Just before the draw, several lottery players stopped at the Tabaprix convenience store on 25e Avenue in Saint-Eustache in Quebec. They each purchased a Formule groupe ticket, which enables players to buy one or more shares in a group organized by a retailer or consumer. Typically, shares, which are only available for purchase in stores, can be split among two to 20 people.
(Loto-Québec)
The March 25 Lotto Max draw turned out to be a lucky one for the 12 lottery players — the group had won a total of $1 million. Split between them, each will receive $83,333.33
The winners, most of whom reside in the Laurentides region, met for the first time at the Loto-Québec offices when they arrived to pick up their cheques. A couple of members recalled the moment they found out about their win.
Robert Roy had been on his way back from Australia when he discovered his win. Now, the travel enthusiast plans to book a cruise with his winnings.
Robert Roy from Laurentides, QC (Loto-Québec)
Friends Richard Lefebvre and his long-time friend Gilbert Gariépy both won the lottery and arrived together to claim their cheque. Gariépy was speechless when Lefebvre called to share the news with him. Gariépy said he’s treating himself and his spouse to a trip to Kenya.
When Murielle Cayer Brûlé found out about the win, she initially thought she had won $10,000. Brûlé arrived to claim the cheque with her son, stating that “an extra zero changes things.” She plans to buy a new car and put the money toward investments.
Henri Gaucher, a regular at the convenience store, was in for a surprise when he showed up to validate his ticket. Gaucher recalled that three customers in line behind him warmly congratulated him when the attendant informed him of his winnings.
Réjeanne Lafleur-Plouffe from Laurentides, QC (Loto-Québec)
The Tabaprix convenience store, which sold the winning tickets, will receive a 1 per cent commission of $10,000
The next Lotto Max draw is on Friday, April 18, and the jackpot is worth $50 million.
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.