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'Beyond happy': Markham man eyeing new car after $123K windfall

Eng Kwee Tan won big while trying Poker Lotto All In for the first time
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Eng Kwee Tan of Markham won $123,736.50 on Poker Lotto All In.

Eng Kwee Tan of Markham is planning to be a new car after winning a total of more than $123,000.

The 70-year-old father and grandfather won the Poker Lotto All In jackpot worth $118,736.50 on Feb. 23, 2024. He also won $5,000 on the instant portion of his Poker Lotto play, along with another $2 on the same play, bringing his total winnings to $123,736.50.

Tan, a retiree, says this is his first big win.

“I mostly play Pick 4, Lotto 6/49, and Lotto Max,” he said at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. “I play a mix of Quick Picks and my own numbers that consist of family birthdays.”

He discovered his big win on a Saturday when he went to check his tickets at the store.

“I don’t normally buy Poker Lotto tickets, but the person in front of me at the store won $50 on their Poker Lotto ticket, so I thought I’d try it. To my shock, I won,” Eng Kwee smiled. “I couldn’t believe it. I was shaking.”

He shared the news with his wife, and she didn’t believe him at first.

“After I showed her the proof, we just both sat there in disbelief. Everyone is beyond happy for me.”

Tan also plans to share his win with his family and save the rest.

The winning ticket was purchased at MC Convenience on Manhattan Drive in Unionville.