Avid fisherman Richard Akins reeled in his biggest catch to date after winning $1 million from the January 3 Lotto 6/49 draw.
“I was speechless when I found out,” recalled Akins of the moment he discovered he won, according to a media release from BC Lottery Corporation. “My daughter texted to say someone won in Powell River. I checked my ticket [on the BCLC Lotto! App] and realized it was my ticket that won.”
Akins was most excited to tell his wife and daughter that he won, the release stated. “My daughter said, ‘No way!’”
Akins is taking some time to decide on what’s next, but mentioned he is approaching retirement and that this win will “make that a bit easier,” according to the release. His reaction to the win: “Exciting!”
Akins purchased the winning ticket at 7-Eleven on Joyce Avenue.
The media release stated that in 2023, BC lottery players redeemed more than $120 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.
Lotto 6/49 is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 7:30 pm (PST). The Gold Ball Draw is a guaranteed prize draw where players can win either the guaranteed prize of $1 million, or the growing gold ball jackpot that starts at $10 million. The classic jackpot offers a prize that is always $5 million.
The released stated that as BC’s only legal gambling website, playnow.com is the only site whose profits benefit British Columbians through investments in items such as health care, education and community programs.
Players can visit playnow.com to learn how to set time and money limits, as well as the other online tools available to encourage healthy play. For further information, visit gamesense.com.
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