Eight strangers in Laval split $5-million Lotto 6/49 Classic jackpot
Eight residents of Laval divided a $5-million Lotto 6/49 Classic prize, each taking $714,285 after buying a Formule Groupe ticket sold in seven shares.
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By Torontoer Staff
Eight strangers in Laval split a $5-million Lotto 6/49 Classic jackpot from the Dec. 13 draw, each receiving $714,285. The group bought a Formule Groupe ticket sold in seven shares, with one share held jointly by a couple.
The winners collected their payouts during the holidays and in early January. The ticket was sold at a Petro-Canada convenience store in Laval, and the retailer will receive a one per cent commission, about $50,000.
How the group ticket worked
The prize came from the Lotto 6/49 Classic draw on Dec. 13. The group used Loto-Québec's Formule Groupe option, which lets a retailer sell shares of a single ticket to multiple buyers. This ticket was divided into seven shares. Because one share was held by a couple, eight people ended up sharing the $5-million prize equally.
Who the winners are and what they plan to do
Loto-Québec named the winners and reported how they found out and what they intend to do with their windfalls. Plans range from paying down mortgages to buying vehicles and investing for retirement.
- Lise Berthelet and Jean Henry, a couple in their sixties, claimed the first share. Berthelet bought the winning ticket while getting gas.
- Annie Godmer checked her ticket on the Loto-Québec app a few days after the draw. She plans to buy a truck among other purchases.
- Gervasio-Jason Pampena validated his ticket at a retailer one week after the draw and claimed his share just before Christmas.
- Anouar Kebaili and Uthayakumar Muttiah each said they plan to invest their payouts and pay off mortgages.
- Wrolph Marco Alce intends to use his share to buy property.
- Michelle Ouimet claimed the final share on Jan. 5 and is considering investing it for retirement.
Come! You’ve got to see this!
Lise Berthelet
No way… There’s a problem!
Annie Godmer
Looks like I won $700,000!
Gervasio-Jason Pampena
Retailer commission and claim timeline
The winning ticket was sold at the Petro-Canada convenience store at 1914 Boulevard des Laurentides in Laval. The retailer will receive one per cent of the prize, approximately $50,000, as a commission. Winners validated and claimed their shares between the holidays and Jan. 5.
Responsible gambling and next steps
All lottery play involves risk and is based on chance. Loto-Québec advises people to gamble responsibly and to consult support resources if they experience gambling-related problems. Information and help are available through Loto-Québec and provincial support services.
The Laval group illustrates how Formule Groupe can combine small investments from multiple people into a prize large enough to change plans. Several winners said they will use their shares for practical purposes, including paying debts, investing and buying property.
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