BIG WINNERS: GTA men share 'surreal' $1-million Maxmillions prize
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Four men from southern Ontario are celebrating after taking home a $1-million Maxmillions prize in the Nov. 22 Lotto Max draw.
Robert Kotyk and Andrew Infelise, of Mississauga, Paul Lehoveczki, of Norval, Ont., and Robert Kenzora, of Markham, have been playing Lotto Max twice a week for the last eight months.
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Kotyk, a retiree, is the newest member of his lottery group and he’s also the one who picked up the group’s ticket.
“While making a quick stop for gas, I decided to purchase our tickets,” said Kotyk to the OLG.
“When I checked this particular ticket and realized we’d won $1 million, I started shaking. It was hard to believe! The store staff were very happy and helpful.
“In disbelief, I called my wife and said, ‘I think we just won the lottery!’ Then, I reached out to the guys. It was surreal to share the news with them.”
The group plans to pay bills and mortgages, invest and take vacations.
The winning ticket was bought at a Shell on Credit Valley Rd. in Mississauga.
LOTTO WINNERS KEEP IT ALL IN THE FAMILY
Gilbert Seth and his son Christopher of Ohsweken, Ont., won $900,000 in the Bigger Spin Instant game.
Gilbert, a retiree, and Christopher, who works in security, have been playing the lottery together for about four years.
Christopher once won $9,000 with Proline, but nothing could have prepared him and his father for the thrill of spinning the Bigger Spin wheel.
“I’d picked up the ticket in the morning, but it was around dinner time when my dad played it and realized we’d won a spin prize,” Christopher told OLG.
“I took our ticket to the store to have it validated and was left in a daze when I found out we’d won the Bigger Spin!”
Christopher immediately called his dad to share the incredible news.
“When he told me we’d won, my heart was beating so fast,” said Gilbert.
“We were both so excited for the event at the OLG Prize Centre. We told our family and friends about our winning ticket and they were so happy for us.”
With his dad by his side, Christopher spun the Bigger Spin wheel and landed on $900,000!
“It was exhilarating! The adrenalin rush is still going strong,” Christopher told OLG.
“It feels like a whirlwind of emotions. I’m looking forward to completing some home renovations and doing some Christmas shopping.”
Added Gilbert: “I think I’ll buy myself a new truck.”
The winning ticket was bought at Route 54 Variety and Gas on Hwy. 54 in Ohsweken.
RETIREE BAGS SOME BIG BUCKS
Donald Prudhomme of Wahnapitae, Ont., matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the Nov. 9 Lotto 6/49 draw to win $100,000.
The 83-year-old retiree has been playing the lottery for years, but this was his first big win.
“I took my ticket back to the kiosk where I had bought it. I didn’t know I’d won until that moment!” said Prudhomme to OLG.
“I was very excited and happy. I shared the good news with my wife. She was surprised by the news, but, of course, delighted as well.”
His plans include helping his family and buying a new vehicle and some Christmas gifts.
The winning ticket was bought at the J&T Enterprises on Lasalle Blvd. in Sudbury.
10-YEAR WAIT PAYS OFF IN AN INSTANT
Martin King of Penetanguishene, Ont., won a $100,000 top prize with Instant Bingo Doubler after playing the game for a decade.
The retiree — a father of three and grandfather of three — told OLG he was “at home relaxing on the couch and scratching away. When I realized I’d won, I cried out to my wife, ‘Honey! I think I won $100,000!’ Her response was, ‘Yeah, right. Let me see.” We reviewed the ticket together. To our surprise and delight, I had, in fact, won the top prize!
“In that moment, we were left stunned and speechless. I’ve since shared the news with many people; half our town knows now. It was an exciting moment and I look forward to paying off my mortgage.”
The winning ticket was bought at Circle K on Main St. in Penetanguishene.
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