When Newmarket resident Christopher Minister scanned his Lotto 6/49 ticket, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“I had just finished my workday when I stopped at the store to check my ticket,” he said in an OLG news release. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on the ticket checker, and I started shaking. I think I scanned my ticket five or six times, counting the zeros to make sure it was real.”
It was the real deal. He won $1 million in the Oct. 2 Gold Ball draw.
Minister, who works in the construction industry, then called family to share the good news.
“I said, ‘I won a million dollars in the lottery.’ They didn’t believe me at first, given some of my past pranks,” he said. “I shared the winning numbers, and in the end, they were so happy for me.”
He said the win “came at the perfect time” in his life.
“I work a very physical job, and this win feels like freedom,” he said. “I will use this prize to enjoy a fantastic retirement, prioritizing myself and my well-being. I also plan to travel to visit family so we can celebrate together.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Newmarket Smokes & Convenience on Davis Drive.
