‘I wanted to scream’: Occasional North York lottery player wins huge prize
51-year-old Andrea Palmer of North York is celebrating her first big win with Encore, and now plans to share her winnings with her family, save, and invest in the future.
A North York woman is celebrating a $100,000 win after matching the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the April 8 Lotto 6-49 draw.
Andrea Palmer, 51, who rarely plays the lottery, decided to check on two lottery tickets she had in her bag while she was at the mall waiting for her sister.
“I was in shock, and my face went blank,” she said in an Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. news release. “I wanted to scream in the middle of the mall.”
Naturally, her sister was the first person she informed.
“I didn’t even have to say anything — I just showed her my phone and we both froze,” she said. “Then we started freaking out with excitement. We kept looking at each other and asking, ‘Is this real?’ It felt unbelievable.”
Palmer later shared the news with her father, who was “beyond excited.”
“It’s truly an amazing feeling. There are moments when I have to remind myself this is real,” she said
She plans to share her winnings with her family, save, and invest for the future.
The winning ticket was purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart on Wilson Avenue in North York.
More information on Ontario’s lotteries is available on the OLG’s website.
What changes did OLG make to lottery winner information?
The OLG changed the way it shares lottery winner information with media outlets in April 2026, which may result in winners’ names not appearing in the news anymore.
Full names of winners over $1,000 published on OLG website
While the OLG no longer shares winners’ last names in media press releases, the lottery operator continues to publish information on all lottery wins of $1,000 or more for 30 days, including the name, city, and the prize won.
What does OLG ask winners before handing over the big cheque?
Winning the lottery isn’t as simple as signing your name on your ticket and claiming your prize. Lottery officials ask winners a series of questions before handing over the big cheque to ensure the prize goes to its rightful owners.
Can lottery thieves actually collect stolen winnings?
Once in a while, police report of thieves stealing scratch lottery tickets from convenience stores. If they steal a winner, can they claim it? Check the story to find out.
How do retailers benefit from selling winning lottery tickets?
Certain lotto jurisdictions offer retailers a percentage of the prize when they sell jackpot winners, but not Ontario. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile for local shops. Read the story to see what Ontario retailers get.
Millions go unclaimed: What happens to unclaimed lottery tickets?
Have you ever bought a lottery ticket and then misplaced it? You’re not the only one. In fact, millions in winnings go unclaimed each year. Check out what happens to the unclaimed winnings.
Lotto Max prices went up
Lottery officials increased the price of Lotto Max tickets to $6, up from $5, but they also made a number of changes to the game that might make it more worthwhile for players.
Are lifetime lottery prizes really for life?
Ontario lottery players can play two games with lifetime prizes. But do the prizes actually pay out ‘til the end of your days?
Need help with problem gambling? Check the PlaySmart website for resources or call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600.
This content is sourced from www.toronto.com and is shared for informational purposes only.
