Calgary resident Shelley Runkvist turns Big Spin into $350K prize

Calgary resident Shelley Runkvist recently won $350,000 from The Big Spin.

On Tuesday, Calgary resident Shelley Runkvist turned a $10,000 winning Big Spin ticket into $350,000.

The Big Spin is a $5 instant ticket with a twist: Players can win cash prizes the same way they do with a regular scratch ticket but can also uncover a “Spin Win” which lets them discover their prize through an animated prize wheel at any Lotto Spot retailer.

If the player’s Spin Win prize is a “Big Spin”, they get $10,000 plus a chance to spin a wheel that guarantees at least $100,000 and goes up to the highest prize of $500,000.

Runkvist bought her winning Big Spin ticket at the Sobeys Country Hills at 200-500 Country Hills Boulevard in Calgary.

“It was the day before Mother’s Day on a last-minute stop for groceries, and I was shocked when I saw [the winning ticket],” Runkvist said, in a media release. “I said, ‘I won that -- and a Big Spin?!’”

“I only told my eldest daughter and I’ve been waiting in anticipation to make sure it’s all true!”

After spinning and winning $350,000 in front of her family, Runkvist said: “This will definitely keep me at the lake, enjoying my summers!”

The Calgary winner said she had recently been considering giving up her cabin property to save money for retirement and is thrilled to be able to keep enjoying her time out there.

“Money can really help you feel more like you’re on ‘easy street,’” Runkvist said.

“I just want to use this to live well—and help me be happy!”

Big Spin tickets are available at Lotto Spot retailers throughout the province.