An Owen Sound man has won a $50,000 prize playing the lottery.
Samuel Brancati, who works as a lineman, has been playing the lottery with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for more than 30 years.
He always buys his tickets for the Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, Lottario, and Ontario 49 draws, and occasionally picks up an Instant ticket.
The father of two is now thrilled to share the news of his first big win, courtesy of INSTANT SUPER STRIKE!
“I was on my way home from work when I made a quick stop at the store. The Super Strike ticket caught my eye, so I decided to pick one up,” Brancati recalled, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings. “I didn’t have my glasses on at the time, so I just scratched the bar code and scanned my ticket on the store’s ticket checker. When I saw the prize amount, I jumped and said, ‘This can’t be real!’”
“I ran out to my truck and checked my ticket again, this time using the OLG app. I sat there for a few minutes in complete silence and disbelief,” said Brancati, adding, “I took a screenshot and sent it to both of my daughters, asking them, ‘What does this mean?’ Their response was, ‘OMG! Dad! Really?’ They were so excited for me.”
He says, “I still can’t believe it. This is some of the best news I’ve ever received in my whole life,” adding, “I’m one happy man. Winning is one of the most blessed feelings in the world. Life is good!”
When asked what his next steps will be, Samuel laughed, saying, “I’m going to put this money in the bank and sleep like a baby! I’ll also pay some bills and enjoy a trip to Italy.”
The OLG says Instant Super Strike is available for $50 a play and the top prize is $50,000. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.29.
The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on 9th Avenue East in Owen Sound.
