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Gas station gold: Saskatchewan woman wins $500,000 on trip to B.C.

Lillian Williamson (BCLC)

A quick stop at a gas station in Golden, B.C. became a life-changing moment for Lillian Williamson from Regina. She is now a Lotto 6/49 jackpot winner after hauling in a lucky $500,000 prize.

“I feel numb,” Williamson said in a statement, following the Feb. 15 draw. “It’s only my second time visiting B.C.”

She stopped at the gas station on a trip from Regina to Kelowna, B.C., to see her new great-grandson, and decided to try her luck at Lotto 6/49. Williamson regularly plays the lottery, including Lotto Max.

Her immediate priority to spend winnings is to share the money with her 12 grand and great-grandchildren. She also wants to take a trip outside of Canada, which will be a first for the new lottery winner.

“I’ve always dreamed I could go to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,” Williamson said. “The first thing I will have to do is renew my passport.”

In 2019, B.C. lottery players redeemed more than $85 million in Lotto 6/49 winnings. The draws for the game happen Wednesdays and Saturdays after 10:30 p.m. EST (7:30 p.m. PST). Tickets can be purchased at lottery retailers or online at PlayNow.com.