ERIN – Ingrid VanDaalen of Erin is celebrating after winning an Ontario 49 second prize worth $50,000 in a Nov. 30 draw.
VanDaalen, a server, is a weekly lottery player with OLG. The mother of one enjoys playing jackpot games like Ontario 49, Lottario, Lotto 6/49, and Lotto Max, using OLG’s Quick Pick feature to make her selections.
While VanDaalen has won some modest prizes over the years, she was in disbelief when she discovered her first big win.
“I was at the gas station when I scanned my Ontario 49 ticket using the store’s ticket checker,” VanDaalen said while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up her winnings.
“When I saw the prize amount, I didn’t believe it, so I brought my ticket to the clerk to have it validated. I was shocked when the lottery terminal froze.”
“When I shared the good news with my daughter, she couldn’t believe it either,” VanDaalen laughed. “Winning feels amazing. You have to play if you want to win.”
With her winnings, she hopes to invest, travel and maybe even purchase a new car. The winning ticket was purchased at Erin Village Convenience on Main Street in Erin.
Ontario 49 is $1 per play and the draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. Those interested can visit the Ontario 49 website on OLG.ca for more information.
Officials say the 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,” they stated.
