Meet Ontario's single biggest lottery winner (photo)

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO LOTTERY & GAMING CORPORATION

************************* Woodbridge resident wins $50 million Lotto Max jackpot

Franco Varone is the single biggest lottery winner in Ontario history

TORONTO (October 25, 2011) - Franco Varone of Woodbridge can hardly believe how his life, and that of his family, is about to change after discovering he matched all seven numbers in the October 7, 2011, Lotto Max draw, winning the $50 million jackpot.

Rod Phillips, OLG's president and CEO, presented Mr. Varone with the $50 million dollar cheque today in a news conference at the OLG Prize Centre.

"We have been awaiting Mr. Varone's arrival," said Phillips. "Mr. Varone is the biggest winner on a single ticket in Ontario history."

The 73-year-old retired mechanic found out about his incredible good fortune during a shopping trip with his wife shortly after the draw.

"I was trembling in my car when I saw I matched all seven numbers, so I told my wife right away and she started to cry," said Varone.

Varone, who has four children and four grandchildren, waited to tell his family about the win until Thanksgiving Sunday when they were all gathered for dinner.

His children thought something was wrong when he told them he had an important announcement.

"He swore us to secrecy," said his children.

Varone decided to wait two weeks to claim the ticket because he wanted to think about the windfall and think about what he's going to do with the money.

"I didn't want to rush in like others do, I wanted to be prepared before collecting the cheque."

As for his plans for the $50 million, Varone wants to take his time and weigh all his options.

"I think there will be a trip involved with the whole family, but I will take my time in deciding how to spend the $50 million. But my 50th wedding anniversary is coming up next year, so it will make the occasion extra special."

Varone has been playing the lottery for decades and chose the winning numbers on his own.

The winning ticket was purchased at Vicky and Mom's Convenience store in the Steeles and Rutherford area in Woodbridge.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities.

Since 1975, OLG lotteries, Casinos, Slots, and Resort Casinos have generated more than $34 billion for the benefit of the Province of Ontario.

Gaming proceeds support Ontario's hospitals, amateur sport, recreational and cultural activities, communities, provincial priority programs such as health care and education, and local and provincial charities and non-profit organizations through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Know your limit, play within it!

The Ontario problem gambling helpline number is 1-888-230-3505.

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