What would you do if you won the lottery? Would you immediately tell your loved ones? One winner decided to keep a massive win to himself.
Josip Kulhanek is retired and lives in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He has been a regular lottery player since the days of Wintario in the ’70s. He enjoys playing Daily Grand and Daily Keno, and when he plays, he opts for the Quick Pick feature to choose his numbers.
Early this year, Kulhanek purchased a $3 Daily Grand, but when he went to check the results after the March 4 draw, he was in for a surprise.
“I was at the store when I decided to check my ticket. I thought the ticket checker said I had won $250, but the store clerk pointed out the additional zeros,” he recalled. “I was shocked and speechless! The clerk reminded me to sign my ticket; he was so happy for me.”
olg.ca
That’s when he realized that he had won the game’s second prize: $25,000 a year for life. Kulhanek ended up splitting the win with another lottery player from Quebec.
“When I realized I had won, it was like I’d been stuck by lightning,” he chuckled. “It was a wonderful surprise that I have been patiently waiting for. This experience has been great, and it feels good to win!”
Kulhanek headed to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings — he chose the lump sum and is now $250,000 richer. However, he said he had not shared the news with his family.
“Nobody knows I won,” said the secretive winner. “I’m a good secret keeper! I look forward to telling my family tonight when I get home.”
Josip Kulhanek of Niagara Falls, Ontario (OLG)
When asked what he plans to do with his winnings, he said he’ll do some work around the house and buy a new vehicle. He’ll also share it with his children and perhaps “celebrate with a trip to Croatia.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on McLeod Road in Niagara Falls.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, you can find resources here.