A Canadian fisherman has just landed the catch of a lifetime after winning a massive lottery prize. However, while others might be quick to hang up their nets, he’s determined not to let his new fortune change his lifestyle.
Lottery player Michael Brown lives in Englee, a small fishing community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Brown works as a fisherman and is often away for long stretches of time, which is why he had no idea that he had a life-changing lottery ticket with him for almost a month.
“I don’t always check my tickets right away. I might have it in my wallet or my pocket for a month,” he explained. “It can often be the next week or the next week after that I get in to check a ticket.”
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When he was finally back, he headed to a store to check his stack of lottery tickets.
“I had eight or nine tickets to check from over five or six weeks, and the last one she checked was a winning ticket,” said Brown. “She said, ‘You won $50,000. Oh, no wait, it’s $5 million, I think,’ and she was a bit shaky and everything.”
During the Nov. 5 draw, Brown managed to match the Lotto 6/49 Classic Draw winning numbers 05, 16, 17, 30, 35, and 46. He had won $5 million.
He said his win will allow him to help his children and take his friends on the moose-hunting trip they’ve dreamed of for years. Despite his life-changing windfall, he refuses to retire. Instead, he plans to finally purchase the new fishing gear he’s needed to upgrade for some time.
Atlantic Lottery
The win may not result in a significant lifestyle change for Brown, but it has certainly brought him greater financial security.
“I’ll take it as it comes now, whatever it is,” he said. “As long as I can wake up in the morning and feel good enough to get up and do what I need to do, only happier, I’ll be happier.”
Brown purchased his winning Lotto 6/49 ticket at Michelle’s Convenience in Englee, N.L. The retailer will receive a one per cent seller’s prize.
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All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.
