The lottery capital of Ontario? It’s Burlington for now

Burlington is the place where lottery winners reside, based on how many residents have been collecting recently.

For instance, two people have claimed big prizes in the past few weeks.

We just don’t know their names

In what may be a change of policy, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has only released the first names and middle initial of recent winners. Attempts to reach the OLG for comment were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Douglas W. of Burlington has won a total of $91,508.70 by playing Poker Lotto All in. His winnings came in two parts, with $5,000 of the total earned through the instant portion of the game.

The 67-year-old truck driver discovered his big win while at the gas station.

“The clerk told me I was a big winner, and I was pretty calm and collected,” he said while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings.

At first, Douglas didn’t tell anyone about his win. “My coworkers were outside the gas station, but I wanted to wait until I got home to tell my wife.”

When he finally shared the news with her, she was in disbelief. “She said, ‘Yeah, right! Stuff like that never happens to people like us!’” Douglas recalled. “I responded, ‘Well, it did!’ I was smiling from ear to ear!”

With his windfall, Douglas plans to complete some renovations at his home and cottage and purchase a new boat. “I’d like one just big enough to make fishing more comfortable,” he said.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Highway 25 in Milton.

The second big winner from Burlington is Philip T., who is $77,777 richer after winning a top prize with Instant Diamond 7s (Game #2556).

Philip, a 70-year-old retiree, said he’s been a loyal lottery player with OLG for over 30 years, and this is his first major win.

“I’ve played Diamond 7s a few times – I enjoy trying new instant games,” he said. “When I played my ticket and uncovered the top prize, I couldn’t believe it. It was spectacular!”

With his windfall, Philip is considering investing and sharing with his children.

“It feels great to be a winner,” he said

This winning ticket was purchased at L & I Variety on Guelph Line in Burlington.

Douglas W.

Philip T.