Ontario man wins six-figure lottery with a 'free ticket'

The latest lotto winner from Alliston, Ont. now has his eyes set on potentially buying a new truck.

Man holding a lotto cheque worth $100,000
Ronald O’Leary sure had one lucky route on his way to a life-changing jackpot. (Courtesy: OLG)

An Ontario retiree is now $100,000 richer after winning with Encore in the July 29, Ontario 49 draw with a ticket that he didn’t have to pay for.

“I won a free ticket!” said Ronald O’Leary of Alliston, Ont., while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings.

O’Leary, 73, said that he has won some smaller prizes in the past, but this is his largest win to date. The father of three was surprised to see that he had won the life changing prize with his lucky free ticket.

O’Leary matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order that day, and had to double check that his lottery ticket had actually brought him a win. He first checked it on his computer, before heading to the store to validate his big prize.

“I shared the news with my children and brothers, and they were all so excited for me,” said O’Leary.

The retiree can now plan on how he wants to use his winnings. Although he hasn’t made any major plans just yet, he is considering buying a new truck.

The winning numbers that day were 7747238, and O’Leary’s lucky ticket was purchased at a Circle K on Young Street in Alliston, Ont.

For just $1, Ontario 49, gives you the chance to win a fixed jackpot of $2 million. Draws are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and each play includes one set of six numbers from 1 to 49. If you match all six numbers, you win the jackpot. You could also win secondary prizes ranging from a Free Play up to $50,000.

Like O’Leary, by adding Encore to your ticket, you can unlock 22 different ways to win for only an extra $1. There is an Encore draw everyday.

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