A Brampton man has become a millionaire following a recent visit to Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke. That’s where Jeyakumar Rajaratnam bought his winning lottery ticket. Rajaratnam matched all seven Encore numbers in exact order to win $1 million in the Aug. 14 Lotto 6-49 draw. He has been playing the lottery for more than 20 years.
“I checked my ticket using the OLG app and thought I had won $1,000. I stared closely at the screen and quickly realized how much I had really won,” he said in a news release from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. “I was so shocked, I froze. It was such a happy moment.”
He then shared the news with his family, starting with his wife and daughter. “I think they were more excited than I was,” he said. “This is truly a blessing!”
Rajaratnam plans to pay off some bills and his mortgage. He also said he will invest some of his winnings for his future. He added that his family was happy to celebrate the windfall.
Rajaratnam says he’s been playing Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 for over two decades and uses the OLG’s Quick Pick option to choose his numbers. Those Quick Pick digits turned out to be lucky as Rajaratnam matched all seven Encore numbers in exact order for the Aug. 14 draw winning $1 million.
“I checked my ticket using the OLG app and thought I had won $1,000. I stared closely at the screen and quickly realized how much I had really won,” the grandfather from Brampton said while picking up his prize at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
“I first told my wife and my daughter. I think they were more excited than I was,” he said, adding that the prize money “is truly a blessing.”
Encore offers 22 ways to win and can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for an extra $1. There are two Encore draws every day. The OLG says it supports safe play and responsible gambling through its PlaySmart program.
Lucky Lotto Winner: Brampton Man Wins Big With Encore
The winning ticket was purchased at Woodbine Racetrack on Rexdale Boulevard in Etobicoke. Rajaratnam says he plans to use his winnings to pay off bills and his mortgage.
Rajaratnam won $1 million with Encore in the Aug. 14 Lotto 6-49 draw. Encore offers 22 ways to win and can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for an extra $1 with two draws every day. The OLG says it supports safe play and responsible gambling through its PlaySmart program.
The Latest in Lottery Wins: More Good News for Canadians
While Rajaratnam's win is a big one, he's not the only one celebrating a recent lottery victory. Other Canadians have also hit it big, with some using their winnings to pay off debts, invest in their future, and even grab some pizza.
Here's a look at other recent lottery winners across Canada:
- A Tecumseh woman won $123,556.70 with a LOTTO MAX second prize in the August 16th, 2024 draw. She says she’s very grateful for her win and plans to enjoy some pizza with her winnings.
- A Burlington man won $123,556.70 in the Aug. 16 Lotto Max draw. He says he plans to upgrade his car and share his winnings with his children.
- A Maple resident won $1 million with Maxmillions in the Aug. 13 Lotto Max draw. The father of two plans to use his windfall for his children’s education and invest some of it.
These recent wins show that there’s a chance for everyone to win big with the lottery. Remember, though, all forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, you can find resources here.
What's Next for these Winners?
It's exciting to see how these lottery winners are using their winnings to improve their lives. We can only imagine what the future holds for them. From paying off debts to investing for their children's education, these wins are truly changing lives.
With luck on their side, these recent lottery winners have secured a brighter future. While their stories are inspiring, it's important to remember that gambling responsibly is crucial. The OLG encourages everyone to play smart and enjoy the excitement of winning while prioritizing responsible gaming practices.
These stories offer a glimpse into the joy and possibilities that winning the lottery can bring. While it may be a dream for many, these stories demonstrate that dreams can come true, even if it comes with a bit of luck.
