The news of Rudy Paquette’s $500,000 win after matching 4/4 Extra numbers from the December 15, 2023 Lotto Max draw has yet to sink in nearly a month later after learning he’d won.
“It really hasn’t hit home,” Paquette said. “It’s still just surreal.”
The Moberly Lake resident, who was in Richmond for work when he purchased his ticket from International News on River Road, also discovered he won at the same retailer.
“I thought it was someone else who won at first and the retailer who scanned my ticket had to tell me it was me who won,” Paquette recalled.
He couldn’t wait to share the news with his wife, who was “very happy” for him.
The lottery winner has a few plans for his big win, including taking a trip to Las Vegas for a golf tournament and renovating his home.
“House renovations are the bucket-list item. I want to make it look new,” he said. “All of the extras can come later.”
On how it feels to win half of a million dollars?
“It means everything to me,” he exclaimed.
In 2023, B.C. lottery players redeemed more than $38 million in winnings from the Extra and more than $212 million from Lotto Max. Say ‘Yes’ to the Extra for the chance to win up to $500,000. The Extra is a $1 add on game available to purchase with Daily Grand, Lotto 6/49, BC/49 and Lotto Max at any BCLC lottery retailer or at PlayNow.com.
Players can purchase tickets at lottery retailers or at PlayNow.com. Winning numbers and group release forms can be found online at www.bclc.com. Players can now check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices. Learn more about the BCLC Lotto! App here.
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.
