Geraldine Ettinger might owe her husband a vacation, after he suggested they both purchase lottery tickets while they were in a shopping centre to escape the snowy weather. It so happens that Ettinger’s ticket won the $5 million Classic Jackpot from the December 21, 2022 Lotto 6/49 draw.
“I was at Save-On-Foods [in Semiahmoo Mall] with a friend doing my grocery shopping and validated my ticket at a self-scanner,” recalled the White Rock resident. “At first, I thought I won $5,000 but I was counting the zeroes and then the retailer said, ‘That’s $5 million!’”
Ettinger was most excited to share the news with her husband and celebrate together with a champagne toast. She plans to take some time to think through her bucket-list items — though she is looking forward to splurging more than she used to when it comes to travel.
On how it feels to be a multimillionaire?
“It’s unbelievable. I feel very blessed and grateful — my new year’s resolution was to have more fun than last year, and I think I will be able to achieve that now.”
Ettinger purchased the winning ticket at the lottery kiosk in Semiahmoo Mall in Surrey.
In 2022, B.C. lottery players redeemed more than $113 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.
Lotto 6/49 is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 7:30 p.m. (PST). The Gold Ball Draw is a guaranteed prize draw where players will 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. Players can purchase tickets at any lottery retailer or at PlayNow.com. Players can now check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices.
BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians. Remember, play for fun, not to make money. For more information, visit GameSense.com.
