A 62-year-old Scarborough woman is celebrating a life-changing win after claiming a $1 million LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball prize. Laurie M., who chose to keep her last name private, discovered her winning ticket weeks after the draw, having forgotten it in a bag.
How She Won
Laurie purchased her ticket at a local convenience store for the June 10 LOTTO 6/49 draw. She tossed it into her bag and forgot about it. When she finally checked her ticket using the OLG app, she was shocked to see the Gold Ball prize notification.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought I was dreaming,” she said. “I had to check multiple times to make sure it was real.”
Plans for the Windfall
Laurie, a retired healthcare worker, plans to invest the majority of her winnings and share some with her family. She also intends to travel once it is safe to do so.
“This win gives me peace of mind. I can help my children and grandchildren, and maybe take a trip to somewhere warm,” she added.
Gold Ball Draw Details
The LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball draw guarantees a $1 million prize, which grows if not won. Laurie’s ticket was the only one to match the Gold Ball number, securing the full amount.
OLG officials confirmed that Laurie is the latest in a string of Ontario winners. Since the Gold Ball draw was introduced, it has created numerous millionaires across the province.
A Reminder for Players
Laurie’s story serves as a reminder for lottery players to check their tickets promptly. She advises others to always double-check their numbers, even if they think they haven’t won.
“You never know. That ticket sitting in your bag could be worth a fortune,” she said.
