Two Newmarket residents have cashed in on $100 instant lottery tickets by winning $1 million prizes in a Dec. 31 draw.
New millionaire Richard Browning, a skilled trade worker who has been a regular lottery player with OLG for 20 years, won the Instant Ultimate draw (Game #2123).
"I was at the store when I checked my ticket and saw 'Big Winner' – it felt surreal. I carried on with my day thinking it wasn't real and there must have been a mistake. I didn’t tell anyone because I knew no one would believe me," he said.
Christine Dee of Newmarket is sharing a $1 million jackpot with her nephew, Matthew Hug of Etobicoke, after winning in the same draw.
The duo were with family during the Christmas holidays when they decided to buy this ticket together because of the odds of winning, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. said in a news release.
Instant Ultimate was available for $100 a play with 40 $1-million top prizes drawn.
“I scanned our ticket on New Year’s Day at 7:32 a.m. I was so shocked I thought I was dreaming! I called Matthew and told him to call me back ASAP,” Dee said.
“When she told me we won, I didn’t believe it. It was surreal and completely unexpected,” Hug said. “It’s insane. This win is even more special and meaningful because we won it together.”
The 39-year-old Browning said this win feels like freedom. "I work a very physical job and now I have the room to focus on the more important things in life – like my family," he smiled.
He plans to pay down his mortgage and complete some work around his house.
"I will be more present with my family. I look forward to visiting family across the country and being the fun uncle at all my nieces' and nephews' birthday parties."
"It's still surreal to see my name on a cheque for $1 million!" he concluded.
For both Dee and Hug, it has been a dream to own their own house, and this win will be a great down payment.
“I plan to pay off my mother’s mortgage,” Hug said.
“I will share some with my children,” added Dee.
“I didn’t sleep for three days! This is so cool – my stomach is still turning,” said Dee.
Their winning ticket was purchased at St. Charles Food Market on Main Street in St. Charles.
Browning's winning ticket was purchased at Pik Kwik Convenience on Eagle Street in Newmarket.
