32-year-old Niagara Falls man hits life-changing $42 million lottery win
Published October 12, 2023 at 2:24 pm
A father’s intuition was bang on the money and in this case, it was one heck of a lot of money.
Knowing someone in Niagara Falls was holding the winning numbers of a $42 million prize, Vincent Biamonte’s father kept badgering him to check his tickets.
It turned out the 32-year-old, who works in the hospitality industry, was indeed the $42 million winner of the LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball Draw on June 14.
“The morning after the draw I was chatting with my dad who told me the Gold Ball winning ticket was sold in Niagara Falls and kept suggesting I check my tickets,” Biamonte said at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
“While having lunch, my dad insisted I check my tickets, so I scanned one and the ‘Winner/Gagnant’ tune played, but it was just a free play. I heard my dad go outside and then checked my other ticket and saw, ‘Big Winner,’ but thought it was $42,000,” he recounted.
“After a second look at the zeroes, I started shouting for my dad repeating, ‘It’s me! It’s me!’”
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He said his hands were shaking, and his knees were trembling at that exact moment.
“I was so shocked – I had my phone in one hand and the ticket in the other. I was trying to not fall down the stairs,” he laughed. “My body was buzzing with adrenaline. My dad had this feeling it was me – he fell to the floor full of joy and excitement.”
Biamonte called his sister next and told her to come over right away. “She came over expecting to hear bad news. I handed her the ticket to scan herself. She (also) thought it was $42,000 at first as well. She said she had a warm feeling wash over her and congratulated me with a big hug.”
“My brother-in-law came over next and was overjoyed – it was wonderful to share this moment with my family. I wish my mom who passed away could have been here as well – I made sure to honour her memory that night.”
A close-knit family, Biamonte said his sister and brother-in-law have been his wonderful voices of reason as he prepared to collect this multi-million-dollar lottery prize. “It’s an emotional journey that feels a lot like a roller coaster. My family and I still shake our heads wondering if it’s real.”
So what was next for Canada’s latest multi-millionaire? Quipped Biamonte, “I hope to not fall down while leaving the Prize Centre.” (The OLG confirmed he made it down the stairs safely.)
“I have consulted some trusted advisors, but the first thing is to plan a family trip to celebrate this win together. I want to take good care of my dad, sister, and brother-in-law and then focus on my cooking and baking skills,” he said.
“I am considering home renovations. But more than anything I want to maintain my peace and privacy. The stability I get from my family and supportive community will keep me grounded,” he concluded.
The winning ticket was purchased at Avondale on Montrose Road in Niagara Falls.
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