Local Southampton man wins big on lottery

Thomas Gibbons of Southampton is celebrating after winning an ONTARIO 49 top prize worth $2 million in the December 29, 2021 draw.

Thomas, a 42-year-old small business owner and father of three, said he plays the lottery twice a week and chooses both Quick Pick numbers and his own.

“It was New Year’s Eve and I decided to check my numbers. I joked with my family, saying it would be great to win on New Year’s!” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings. “When I scanned the ticket, I started shaking – I called my wife over to scan it again. We were both ecstatic!”

Thomas said he shared the big news with family and friends, who were all shocked and happy to know someone who won the lottery. “I won $2,500 a few years ago and I was excited,” he said. “But winning this amount is much more exciting!”

He plans to pay off his mortgage, purchase a pool for his kids and invest. “When I asked my kids what they want, my son said he wants batteries for his toy car, and my daughter said she wants a horse and a pickup truck,” Thomas laughed. “I like how my son thinks, but my daughter on the other hand . . .”

OLG is booking in-person prize claim appointments at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. We strongly encourage those with claims between $1,000 and $49,999.90 to submit them online or mail them, as appointment availability at this prize level is limited. Submitting claims online is fast and secure. Customers with prizes over $50,000 are asked to call 1-800-387-0098 to discuss available prize claim options.

ONTARIO 49 is $1 per play and the draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. Combination Play is available in five-, seven-, eight- and nine-number selections. Tickets are sold until 10:30 p.m. Visit the ONTARIO 49 page on OLG.ca for more information.

The winning ticket was purchased at Ralph’s on Goderich Street in Port Elgin.