3 big lotto wins in the north

A northern Ont. musician remixes iconic OLG tune Award-winning musician Preston Pablo is lending his voice to a remix of the OLG’s classic ‘Winner, gagnant!’ tune.

There have been three big instant lottery wins in northern Ontario recently. A Sault senior, a couple from North Bay and a Kapuskasing man are all celebrating wins of $100,000 or more.

IN THE SAULT

Franklin Driver, a 77-year-old retiree and regular lottery player of more than 50 years from Sault Ste. Marie, has won the top prize on a Kings scratch ticket, earning $100,000.

Driver told Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) representatives that this was his first big win, while in Toronto, at the prize centre, to pick up his winnings.

“I purchased some tickets, and the last ticket I played was the winner,” he said in the news release.

“I couldn’t believe it – I was smiling ear to ear – the biggest smile of my life.”

Driver said his son was with him at the time and was also shocked by the win.

“We headed home to tell my wife,” he said.

“I had to show her my ticket before she believed it. She was so happy and said I was deserving of this.”

Driver said the winning feeling is something he can’t explain.

The winning ticket was purchased at New York News on Bay Street in Sault Ste. Marie.

IN NORTH BAY

Peter and Jane Lalande from North Bay told the OLG they are still in disbelief after winning $150,000, the largest instant cash prize for the Bigger Spin scratch ticket.

The winning ticket was purchased at Parker’s Your Independent Grocer on Laurentian Avenue in North Bay.

FROM KAPUSKASING

Yohann Berube won $250,000 with his 'lucky number' on a Luke Combs-themed lottery scratch ticket.

The Instant Living Lucky with Luke Combs ticket was purchased at Depanneur Groundhog Confectionary on Government Road in Fauquier, Ont.

Earlier this summer, another northern Ontario man also won a $250,000 grand prize on a Living Lucky with Luke Combs ticket.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

Playsmart offers information on gambling games.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available.