Hamilton man chooses $500,000 lump sum over ‘cash for life’ offer
Published March 3, 2023 at 4:10 pm
Would you rather receive $500,000 today or $25,000 every year for life?
James Lavigne chose the former and is now half a million dollars richer.
The 58-year-old retiree from Hamilton played the lottery game, Daily Grand, on Jan. 23, 2023, and matched all five main numbers to win the second prize of $25,000 yearly for life — or $500,000.
Lavigne says he’s a lottery-playing regular and chooses his own numbers.
“I use birthdates and important years relating to my parents,” he shared from the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
“When I checked my ticket and saw $25,000 a year for life, my knees went weak. I couldn’t believe it. I almost fainted,” Lavigne added. “I was so happy that I signed my ticket right away.”
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Photo provided by OLG
The father and grandfather said he’s always wanted to own a home, and now he can. Lavigne is also planning a trip to the Dominican Republic.
“It’s amazing,” Lavigne added. “I’ve never had this kind of money before.”
Daily Gran is unique from other Ontario lottery games, as it’s Canada-wide. For $3 per play, it offers a top prize of $1,000 a day for life — or a lump sum of $7 million. Draws take place on Mondays and Thursdays.
The winning ticket was purchased at Rexall on Main Street in Hamilton.
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