Caledon Resident Wins $1 Million MAXMILLIONS Prize

TORONTO, June 29 /CNW/ - Joel Peterson of Caledon doesn't always play the lottery, but with all the excitement surrounding the $50 million LOTTO MAX jackpot two weeks ago, he thought it was time to buy a ticket. He was disappointed when all he won was a free ticket, but he played it anyway and it's a good thing he did. In the following week's draw on June 25, Peterson held the winning numbers for one of the 17 MAXMILLIONS prizes won in Ontario.

"I went out to get some drinks from the corner store and decided to check my ticket. When I realized I won, and the amount that I had won, I was just in total disbelief," said the 30-year old truck driver. "I'm a millionaire!"

Peterson won't have to share the $1 million prize, as his ticket was the only match for that specific MAXMILLIONS draw.

MAXMILLIONS are additional $1 million prizes added to the game when the jackpot reaches $50 million. MAXMILLIONS prizes are drawn separately from the LOTTO MAX jackpot draw, which means that a LOTTO MAX ticket not only gives players a chance at $50 million but also the chance to win any of the $1 million MAXMILLIONS draws on the same date.

Peterson has lived in Caledon for three years. He says that quitting his job is not really on the radar right now.

"I want to put the money aside and save it for now. In the future I'm hoping to buy a house and maybe a Corvette!" Peterson explained, while at the Toronto Prize Centre to pick up his cheque.

The winning ticket was purchased at Esso gas station at Lakeshore and Carlaw in Toronto.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG lotteries, casinos, slots, and resort casinos have generated more than $32 billion for the benefit of the Province of Ontario. Gaming proceeds support Ontario's hospitals, amateur sport, recreational and cultural activities, communities, provincial priority programs such as health care and education, and local and provincial charities and non-profit organizations through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

    
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For further information: Sarah Kiriliuk, Media Relations Manager, Ontario Lottery and Gaming, 416.726.3641