Canadian lottery winner chooses between lump sum or $1,000 a week for life

One lucky Canadian lottery winner recently faced a choice that many hopeful players wish for: a $1,000 a week lifetime payment or a lump sum payout.

Maria Caroli, a Laval, Que., resident, said that she rarely plays the lottery, but one day, her spouse stopped at a grocery store and bought a Gagnant à vie ticket for $5 and gave it to her as a gift.

She quickly played her ticket and then left for work without checking if she won a prize. It was her spouse who discovered that Caroli’s ticket was a winner and immediately called her at work to share the happy news: she had won the game’s grand prize, $1,000 a week for life.

And who would be able to focus on work after finding out that they just won a massive jackpot? Upon hearing the news, Caroli recalled, “I left work at noon, I was too excited!”

loteries.lotoquebec.com

When it was time to claim her prize, she had to make a choice: to take the $1,000 weekly payments or walk away with the lump sum worth $1 million. While most winners choose the lump sum, Caroli opted for the lifetime annuity. While at the Loto-Quebec headquarters to pick up her cheque, she said choosing the $1,000-weekly payments will enable her to maintain her current lifestyle while enjoying financial peace of mind.

Caroli’s spouse bought the winning ticket at the IGA Extra grocery store at 2137 Boulevard Curé-Labelle in Laval. The retailer will receive a one per cent commission of $10,000.

Other recent Quebec lotto winners include a group of eight strangers who split a $5-million Lotto 6/49 jackpot in the Dec. 13 draw.

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.