A recent work trip to Houston B.C. was one for the books for Edmonton residents Tracy and Wesley Shemonichek, as they ended up returning home as newly minted millionaires after winning a $1-million prize from the Lotto 6/49 draw on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Wesley, who purchased their ticket at the Houston Esso on Highway 16 while in town for work, was with a colleague the following morning after the draw when he decided to stop in at a 7-Eleven to check the ticket.
“I scanned it with the retailer and initially thought it was $100,000 so I told my co-worker and then he looked at it and shouted, ‘No, you just won a million dollars,’” recalled Wesley.
Wesley immediately texted a photo of the ticket to Tracy, who had just returned home to Morinville, Edmonton.
“I was at a corn stand at the time and I just stared at the photo,” recalled Tracy. "Once it sunk in what I was looking at I started jumping for joy,” said Tracy. “I can’t even explain how I felt in that moment. It’s just fuzzy on the brain.”
This win came at a good time for the Shemonicheks, as they recently purchased a piece of land and look forward to putting their prize towards the build of their new home. The couple also plans to travel to Tennessee for a vacation.
“We can build a home with a big garden and chickens and make memories with our grandchildren,” said Tracy.
So far in 2023, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $75 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.
Lotto 6/49 is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 7:30 p.m. (PST). The Gold Ball Draw is a guaranteed prize draw where players will win either the Guaranteed Prize of $1 million, or the growing Gold Ball Jackpot that starts at $10 million. The Classic Jackpot offers a prize that is always $5 million. Players can purchase tickets at any lottery retailer or at PlayNow.com. Players can check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices.
BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians. Remember, play for fun, not to make money. For more information, visit GameSense.com.
