NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING
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Saying “yes” to Encore paid off for Paul Dutcher of Welland. He matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the Dec. 30, 2023 Lotto 6/49 draw to win $100,000!
Paul, a retiree, says he's been playing Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 weekly for over 30 years. "It was a typical Friday afternoon at the bingo hall and I decided to check my tickets. Holy moly was I surprised!" he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his windfall.
The 70-year-old says he was so shocked that his whole body was shaking. "I came home and the first thing I did was hug my dog and treat him to a pork chop dinner," Paul smiled. "I'm so happy, I feel like a million bucks!"
Paul says he couldn't sleep for days because he was so excited. He told his sister, brother and close friend about the win. "They were happy for me. They told me I am blessed and deserving of this."
He plans to buy himself a truck, pay some bills and donate some of his win. "It's like an adrenaline rush," Paul concluded.
Encore offers 22 ways to win and can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for an extra $1. There is an Encore draw every day.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Delta Bingo and Gaming Centre on Main Street in Welland.
OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.
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