It will be an unforgettable holiday season for one Canadian man who snagged a six-figure lottery prize.
Raymond “Ray” Penasse is a skilled trades worker who lives in Garden Village, a small community located north of Toronto. Penasse said he’s been playing the lottery for a while now and started buying tickets when he was old enough to play. He usually chooses to play Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and Lottario, but he started playing Poker Lotto two years ago — a decision that would eventually pay off.
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Penasse had purchased a ticket for the November 13, 2024, draw and was getting his ticket validated when something strange happened.
“I was at the store when I asked the clerk to validate my Poker Lotto ticket. I had hoped to win a Free Play. Suddenly, the lottery terminal froze,” he said.
“I was shocked and knew I must have won something big. The clerk said, ‘You won $100,000!’ and my response was, ‘Right on!’ I never expected to win something like this, but I was hoping!”
He texted his wife to tell her the news, but even after sending her a photo of the slip, he said, “I still had to show her the ticket when I got home for her to believe me.”
Penasse headed to Toronto to claim his $100,000 cheque at the OLG Prize Centre. While there, he said he already had plans for his winnings.
OLG
“I plan to use this money to build a fully equipped, insulated garage that I can enjoy year-round,” he shared. “I’ll also save some for retirement and share with my wife, kids, and grandkids.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Esso Convenience Store on Second Avenue in Coniston.
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.