A Life-Changing Morning Email Brings Unexpected Fortune
For Brandon Stewart, a hardworking transit bus driver from Windsor, Ontario, the path to early retirement just became a lot smoother. Thanks to his regular participation in the Lotto 6/49 with Encore, Stewart is now celebrating a $1 million lottery win that he describes as a “decent return on investment.”
A Routine Purchase Turns Into a Life-Changing Moment
Stewart has been a faithful lottery player for the past two years, purchasing tickets twice weekly via his OLG.ca online account. It was no different on April 5, when he bought a ticket for the Lotto 6/49 draw with an added Encore selection.
What happened next took him by surprise.
“It was morning when I read an email saying I had a prize to claim,” Stewart recalled. “I quickly went online to do some fact-finding.”
There it was — the Encore-winning number 9697792 matched his ticket, and just like that, Stewart was $1 million richer.
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Calm Reaction to a Million-Dollar Win
Despite the life-changing amount, Stewart says his initial reaction was unexpectedly calm.
“When I saw the six zeroes in the prize amount, I was surprisingly composed,” he said.
However, his family and friends were thrilled when he shared the news. “To be honest, they were more excited than I was,” he added with a smile.
A Smart Plan for the Future: Investing in Early Retirement
Stewart claimed his prize at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto, where he received his $1 million cheque. Rather than making extravagant plans, the Windsor resident is taking a thoughtful approach to his winnings.
“Winning feels good,” he said. “It’s a nice boost that will allow me to invest for an early retirement and share with my family and friends.”
The Value of Persistence and Smart Play
With two years of consistent play under his belt, Stewart views the win as a rewarding end to his patience.
“I think I got a decent return on my investment,” he quipped.
His story is a testament to persistence and the benefits of playing smart — opting for convenient, online ticket purchases and sticking to a budgeted routine.
Looking Ahead: More Chances to Win
The next Lotto 6/49 draw is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, and the jackpot is estimated at $12 million.
For players like Stewart, this latest draw might inspire others to try their luck — you never know when a routine ticket could turn into a retirement plan.