Tuesday night’s Vancouver Canucks 50/50 draw was the richestĀ ever.
Announced in-building as breaking a world record, the total jackpot at Rogers Arena hit $1,413,630, meaning the winner took home $706,815 – more money than Canucks forward Brendan Leipsic will make this season.
Though Leipsic’s $650,000 salary is paid in US dollars, it’s also taxed. The 50/50 prize is tax-free.
Tonight's winning 50/50 ticket number is AM-2045523. The INCREDIBLE jackpot is $1,413,630 with a take-home prize of $706,815!! THANK YOU to everyone who bought tix!
šššššš pic.twitter.com/47qqKyjgXC— Canucks For Kids (@Canucksforkids) November 28, 2018
The total is more than five times larger the previous season-high of $242,125.
A total jackpot of at least $1 million was guaranteed by sponsorĀ Ascend FS.Ā The pot was also juiced by online sales, which began last week and continued throughout the game.
Injured centres Brandon Sutter and Jay Beagle also helped raise funds by throwing green volunteer vests and selling tickets – selling to fans, media, and even the players themselves.
Everybody wants in on the action… Get your tickets now for the million dollar jackpot (must be 19+ to play). ā”ļø https://t.co/37dOl2MCZL š¤š¤š¤ pic.twitter.com/xTSE1M5vq8
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 26, 2018
A huge thank you to our incredible 50/50 volunteers who are the backbone of our success! šš pic.twitter.com/CYrTghvUZv
— Canucks For Kids (@Canucksforkids) November 28, 2018
Half of the jackpot supports the Canucks for Kids Fund charity, benefitting the Canucks Autism Network, Canuck Place Childrenās Hospice, and the BC Childrenās Hospital Foundation, as usual.
The jackpot surpassed the previous Canucks record of $1,014,555, set at the Sedins’ final home game in April. A Vancouver realtor walked home with over half a million dollars that night.
This season, all fans living in British Columbia have been able to participate in the same raffle as people attending the game through online 50/50 ticket sales. Those sales appeared to go so well during the game that it overwhelmed their online system at times.
For anyone still waiting for your 50/50 email, please be assured it is coming and all numbers were included in the draw. Extraordinary online sales have slowed emails but we promise they are enroute.
— Canucks For Kids (@Canucksforkids) November 28, 2018