SUDBURY -- William Kingerski, a 74-year-old retired city worker, plays the lottery with two people, Gary Kingerski and John Bilani.
The trio matched five numbers and the bonus number to win $143,568.70 in the April 8 Lotto 6/49 draw.
William was planning to replay the group's winnings from previous tickets for the next big draw when he discovered the windfall. Using the OLG lottery app to scan his ticket, he saw the "Big Winner" message.
"I was very calm, and then I checked using the ticket checker at the store to double-check the amount," said William at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
He kept the win a secret until his birthday dinner, where he revealed to the two other group members the news with fake cheques showing their shares of the money.
"It was the best birthday I think I ever had," William said.
He plans to use his money to buy a new vehicle and do some home renovation. John and Gary have not yet decided what to do with their money yet.
The winning ticket was purchased at Lockerby Confectionary on Paris Street in Sudbury.
As the pandemic continues, winnings of $10,000 or more can be picked up at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto by making an appointment. Masks must be worn at the prize centre. Winnings under $50,000 can be claimed by mail.
