James, a produce clerk, has been a regular lottery player with OLG for the past decade. His go-to games include LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 6/49, ONTARIO 49, and LOTTARIO. However, it was a relatively unfamiliar ticket that brought him his most electrifying prize yet.
While picking up his usual tickets at the store, the father of one made a spontaneous decision to switch things up. “LIGHTNING LOTTO was just staring me in the face, so I figured I’d give it a shot,” he said with a chuckle.
“This was only the second LIGHTNING LOTTO ticket I’d ever bought,” James shared, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his windfall. “I won the jackpot on my second try!”
Matching all five numbers, James won the jackpot faster than a lightning strike. “It was pretty surprising and intense. I didn’t know what was going on!” he recalled. “The store clerk was new, so we were both just sitting there in shock!”
“I didn’t share the news with anyone except my wife,” said James. “She just about told the whole world! I plan to keep the news under wraps until I have the money in my hands.”
With his windfall, James plans to invest for his retirement. “Winning is a great feeling,” he beamed. “I can now do as I please without financial pressure. In fact, I’m ready to retire now!”
The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on East Main Street in Welland.
OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.