Imagine a big win like this - just before Christmas

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING CORPORATION

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Toronto-area couple win $21 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot

TORONTO (December 17, 2012)  - After a year filled with ups and downs, Vaughan couple Les and Beverley Cassidy will be on "cloud 6/49" this holiday season since winning a $21.2 million jackpot in the December 12, 2012 Lotto 6/49 draw.

The couple and their close family members attended the OLG Toronto Prize Centre on Monday morning to claim their prize, and described their feelings of happiness at their unexpected windfall.

"I already won the lottery when I met my wife, so this is just a bonus. It's been a difficult year for both of us, because of some health problems, so this is a relief and comes in perfect timing," said Cassidy, who recently left his life-long career as an electrical supervisor.

Mrs. Cassidy was the first to discover their win while at Shoppers Drug Mart this past week.

"I thought I only won $21,000 which I was excited about. When the store gave me the print out of the winning amount, I said 'this is too many numbers' and realized it was $21 million. I started jumping up and down and waving out the window to my husband who was waiting in the car. The whole store was buzzing," she explained.

The excitement was a little too much for Les, who said that his first reaction was to get outside for some fresh air.

"My heart did a little squeeze, so I needed to clear my head and stay calm!" he laughed.

The sensible couple, married for 13 years, has spent the days since their discovery talking about how they will keep their life the same.

"We lived normally before, and we'll live normally after today! Although my wife has been really excited about getting some new bed linens and towels," laughed Mr. Cassidy. "But you don't ever forget the people that are kind to you. I won't forget those people."

The grandparents of seven grandkids are also dreaming about an Alaskan cruise.

"We don't like the heat, we're from Kirkland Lake so we enjoy the cold," said Mr. Cassidy.

The couple are the 39th Lotto  6/49 jackpot winners in Ontario in 2012, for a total of over $200 million in jackpot prizes this year.

The winning ticket was purchased at Empress Dollar & Convenience on Major Mackenzie Drive in Maple.

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 $36 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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