Lottery app reveals $100,000 surprise for Brampton man

A Brampton resident is $100,000 richer after a routine ticket check turned into a life-changing moment.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) says Joel M. of Brampton won $100,000 in the May 13 Lotto 6/49 draw after matching the last six of seven Encore numbers in the correct order.

OLG no longer publicly releases the full names of most lottery winners, identifying them only by their first name and last initial.

The 59-year-old said he has been playing OLG lottery games for about 20 years and regularly adds Encore to his Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max tickets.

Joel was at home when he decided to scan a handful of tickets using the OLG app.

The first ticket earned him a free play, while the second produced a modest $2 prize. Then came the third ticket.

“As I scanned the last one, the screen lit up with the words ‘Big Winner!'” Joel recalled while collecting his prize at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.

He said he initially froze as he stared at the screen and counted the zeros.

“I was at a loss for words,” he said. “Tears of joy started welling up as I took in the win.”

Despite the excitement, Joel kept the news to himself for several days because he was busy celebrating his parents’ 60th wedding anniversary.

Only after the festivities were over did he reveal the win to his wife.

“While we were having breakfast, I laid the validation slip on the table and told her I’d won $100,000,” he said.

Joel said his wife was initially shocked before the reality of the win set in. His children were equally surprised and repeatedly asked whether the prize was real.

The Brampton winner already has plans for the money. He intends to purchase a new vehicle, share some of the winnings with family members, invest for the future and take a vacation.

“It feels amazing to be an OLG lottery winner,” Joel said. “I still can’t believe it.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Hasty Market on James Potter Road in Brampton.

Encore is available as an add-on to most lottery games for an additional $1 and offers multiple prize levels through twice-daily draws.

Joel M from Brampton.