Lottery Corp finally pays ripoff victims - years later

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING CORPORATION

************************* Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation pays jackpot prize to rightful owners

Co-workers who bought winning ticket to receive $5.75 million lottery prize

TORONTO, December 19, 2007 - The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is paying a group of co-workers a $5.75 million lottery prize after it was determined that this group purchased a winning ticket in 2004, Kelly McDougald, OLG CEO announced today.

"We are glad to be paying the group this prize," said McDougald. "The OLG conducted its own thorough and independent investigation that confirmed the group's claim that a winning ticket paid out to someone else several years ago was in fact purchased by them."

The case involves co-workers who bought tickets together in 2004.

They contacted the OLG in July 2007 with evidence to support a claim that they purchased the winning ticket for a prize of $5.75 million.

OLG referred the case to the OPP.

At the same time, OLG conducted its own independent investigation which confirmed the group's claim that they purchased the ticket.

The OLG investigation was directed at confirming the ownership of the winning ticket, and was distinct from the OPP investigation which is a matter for the criminal justice system.

"This payment by the OLG demonstrates the degree to which we have accepted, and acted upon, the recommendation of the Ombudsman," added OLG Chair Michael Gough. "Change has occurred and will continue at OLG: We remain committed to regaining Ontarian's trust - our customer's trust - in us and in our games."

"We're acting on our commitment to deliver the fairness and integrity that Ontarians' expect from provincial lotteries by listening to customer concerns and responding as soon as it is brought to our attention," said McDougald.

"Today is a very good day," said the group's legal counsel Greg Harris. "OLG took my client's claim seriously, and today on behalf of my clients I want to say thank you. Thank you for acting quickly and professionally and with integrity."

The winners, all from Toronto, had the following comments on their win:

Lorraine Teicht

"I was in total shock and disbelief. It will be nice to have financial security in our retirement years. I will be able to help our four children and grandchild have a safe and secure future. We plan on taking some holiday time and buy the car of my dreams. A Nissan Murano! I will definitely keep playing because things happen in threes! I won a van with the Princess Margaret Lottery; I've won this…so now I'm waiting for the third!"

Paul Carlisi

"I was ecstatic. It's the only way to describe how I felt when I first heard the news. This provides a wonderful opportunity for my wife and I to explore many new avenues of interest - a waterfront property, travel and a pearl necklace for the cat!"

Silvana Pincivero

"I was very excited - I really couldn't believe it actually happened. We will still be the same people we've always been. This allows us to help our children plan for their future, and live a more stress-free lifestyle. We will be going on more vacations (If I can get my husband away from his devoted job) - and to share these good times with my close family members. I'm still playing the lottery. Will I ever win again? You know what? I truly believe that lightning does strike twice!"

Aurora Pincivero

"I was shocked but was very excited at the same time. Unbelievable. Life will be a lot easier and more comfortable for my family and I. It allows us to pay off some debts. Otherwise, our lives will be just the same. Maybe now I can finally take my kids to Disney World. This is a dream come true - really."

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage on this story

'Insider' lottery winner charged, $5 million in assets frozen Tory wants full investigation of Lottery Corp 'mess'