Bus driver en route to early retirement after $1-million lottery win

For one Canadian lottery player, early retirement plans are now closer to reality after a life-changing win.

Brandon Stewart lives in Windsor, Ont., and works as a transit bus driver. Stewart has been a regular lottery player for the past two years, playing Lotto 6/49 with Encore twice a week. He said he typically buys his tickets online through his OLG.ca account. Sticking to his usual routine, he decided to try his luck by buying a ticket for the April 5 Lotto 6/49 draw.

While checking his emails after the draw, he saw a message that caught his attention.

“It was morning when I read an email saying I had a prize to claim,” recalled Stewart. “I quickly went online to do some fact-finding.”

That’s when he discovered that he had matched the Encore-winning number 9697792 — he was now $1 million richer.

“When I saw the six zeroes in the prize amount, I was surprisingly calm,” he stated. “I shared the news with my close family and friends, and to be honest, they were more excited than I was!”

So, how does he feel after buying all those tickets for the past two years?

“I think I got a decent return on my investment,” he said, smiling.

Stewart visited the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his $1-million cheque.

“Winning feels good,” he said. “It’s a nice boost that will allow me to invest for an early retirement and share with my family and friends.”

The next Lotto 6/49 draw is on Wednesday, May 14, and the jackpot is worth $12 million.

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.