British Columbia was among the provinces to congratulate many lottery enthusiasts with their cash prizes coming as a result of a lucky lottery ticket. Lotto MAX once again marked a strong year with many winners and a cap increase making it an even more lucrative lottery offering. When it comes to the regional winners, several stories managed to stand out among all gaming millionaires that would forever remember this year as a special one.
Without a doubt, this year’s top story was that of Joseph Katalinic. His name became synonymous with perseverance and determination as the retiree bagged CA$60 million following years of lottery tickets purchases. This is the largest lottery prize to land in British Columbia, making it an even more memorable one.
Lotto Windfalls
May 2019 saw British Columbia Lottery Corporation reveal a Lotto MAX cap increase that was later on attributed to popular demand. Players wanted to have the chance to win an even bigger lottery jackpot twice a week, instead of once a week. By mid-July, Lotto MAX jackpot had swelled to CA$60 million and Canadians were eager to pump it up as much as possible.
As it often happens, a single lottery ticket managed to match all numbers needed for the Main prize and this ticket belonged to Mr. Karalinic. The former commercial fisherman of Richmond became eligible for the windfall on July 26. Mr. Katalinic made the purchase at the local Seafair shopping mall eventually setting himself for success.
Mr. Katalinic said that he needed a shot of whiskey to celebrate the win and to calm down at the sight of the grand prize. The beginning of this year was extraordinary for a Surrey mother of three who became eligible for a cash payout of CA$39,517,071.40. Michelle de Roma made the special purchase while she was buying presents on Boxing Day.
2019 Was a Hefty Year
December 28, 2018 was when she learned the good news, but she took her time to think about the ways this windfall could change her own life, as well as the life of her loved ones. They celebrated the holidays in a regular manner and she claimed the jackpot in the first days of January.
As for the place of purchase that received one percent of the overall payout, it was Tsawwassen Mills in Delta. Another major Lotto MAX jackpot made its way to Merritt, as a couple became eligible for a cash payout of CA$25.9 million. George Munro and Rowena Inyallie purchased the winning ticket on a whim but this changed their future, as Mr. Munro was excited to leave his job.
Among the first purchases made with the windfall was a new Ford 350, as well as a Ford Mustang Shelby. The exact amount the two of them won was CA$25,951,985.90. Ms. Inyallie was quick to tell her mother the good news but upon hearing the good news, the woman dropped her phone in dismay. As it often happens, lottery jackpots are used as a financial cushion and as a support of loved ones.