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Lotto Max $35,000,000: B.C. man wins jackpot after playing the same lottery numbers for two years

Retired 20-year long-haul truck driver Gary Hill from Kamloops, B.C., won a life-changing $35 million in a split Lotto Max jackpot from the June 22 draw.

“I haven’t come back down since the news,” Hill said.

His mom initially told him that the winning ticket was purchased Kamloops, which prompted Hill to check his ticket by looking up the winning numbers on bclc.com. He immediately knew he won because he’s played with the same set of numbers for the last two years.

“My legs just went into spaghetti and I collapsed onto my bed,” he said. “I cried for about 15 minutes.”

He told his mom and all she could say was, “‘Oh Gary!’”

Hill shared that he saw a dragon fly on June 21 and June 22, after never seeing one before in his life. He looked up what that meant and read that it could mean luck and prosperity. He also saw a big, bright full moon that night.

Now that he's $35 million richer, Hill plans to travel to Denmark, when it is safe to do so, and wants to share his prize money with his family. He also wants to contribute to his local hospital.

“I want to help out those around me that might need help,” Hill said.

In 2021, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $83 million in winnings from Lotto Max.

Lotto Max draws Tuesdays and Fridays after 10:30 p.m. ET.

Tools to stop gambling

If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.

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