3 big lotto wins in the north
There have been three big instant lottery wins in northern Ontario recently. A Sault senior, a couple from North Bay and a Kapuskasing man are all celebrating wins of $100,000 or more.
IN THE SAULT
Franklin Driver, a 77-year-old retiree and regular lottery player of more than 50 years from Sault Ste. Marie, has won the top prize on a Kings scratch ticket, earning $100,000.
Driver told Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) representatives that this was his first big win, while in Toronto, at the prize centre, to pick up his winnings.
“I purchased some tickets, and the last ticket I played was the winner,” he said in the news release.
“I couldn’t believe it – I was smiling ear to ear – the biggest smile of my life.”
Driver said his son was with him at the time and was also shocked by the win.
“We headed home to tell my wife,” he said.
“I had to show her my ticket before she believed it. She was so happy and said I was deserving of this.”
Driver said the winning feeling is something he can’t explain.
Franklin Driver won $100,00 on a Kings instant lottery ticket. (Supplied)The winning ticket was purchased at New York News on Bay Street in Sault Ste. Marie.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
- Want more local news? Check out the Sault Ste. Marie page
IN NORTH BAY
Peter and Jane Lalande from North Bay told the OLG they are still in disbelief after winning $150,000, the largest instant cash prize for the Bigger Spin scratch ticket.
Peter and Jane Lalande won $150,000 on on a Bigger Spin instant lottery ticket. (Supplied)The winning ticket was purchased at Parker’s Your Independent Grocer on Laurentian Avenue in North Bay.
FROM KAPUSKASING
Yohann Berube won $250,000 with his 'lucky number' on a Luke Combs-themed lottery scratch ticket.
Yohann-Berube won $250,00 on a Living Lucky with Luke Combs instant lottery ticket. (Supplied)The Instant Living Lucky with Luke Combs ticket was purchased at Depanneur Groundhog Confectionary on Government Road in Fauquier, Ont.
Earlier this summer, another northern Ontario man also won a $250,000 grand prize on a Living Lucky with Luke Combs ticket.
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
Playsmart offers information on gambling games.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Federal dental insurance program to be phased in over 2024, benefits to start in May
The new federal dental insurance plan will be phased in gradually over 2024, with the first claims likely to be processed in May, government officials said ahead of a formal announcement scheduled for Monday morning.
'We're trying not to break down': Sask. family desperate to find their loved one last seen in Toronto
The family of 39-year-old Lesley Sparvier has been trying to find and locate her after she left home on foot in Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Sask. on Nov. 28.
Buckingham Palace releases this year’s Christmas card
Buckingham Palace released an image of the Christmas card that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be sending out this year.
Iowa man arrested in the death of a Nebraska Catholic priest
A man has been arrested in the stabbing death of a Catholic priest who was attacked over the weekend in a church rectory in a small Nebraska community, authorities said.
The Université de Moncton will not be getting a new name
The board of New Brunswick's Universite de Moncton has decided not to change the school's name despite concerns about its connection to a problematic historical figure.
Trump says he won't testify Monday at his New York fraud trial and sees no need to appear again
Donald Trump said Sunday he has decided against testifying for a second time at his New York civil fraud trial, posting on social media that he "VERY SUCCESSFULLY & CONCLUSIVELY" testified last month and saw no need to appear again.
Saskatchewan is a safe space to buy 'sustainable oil,' Scott Moe says
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is working hard to use a global climate change conference as an opportunity to market the province’s non-renewable resources.
LCBO reveals what Ontarians drank the most this year
When it came to what Ontarians brought home during their liquor runs at the LCBO, the company said customers went for options that gave them more bang for their buck.
Al Gore calls UAE hosting COP28 'ridiculous,' slams oil CEO appointed to lead climate talks
Climate advocate and former Vice President Al Gore on Sunday called into question the decision to hold the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, a leading producer of the world’s oil.