During a routine stop at the gas station, Marshall Willson checked several of his lottery tickets using a self-scanner and was in a for a big surprise – it turns out that he won $1 million from the January 1, 2025 Lotto 6/49 draw.
“I was checking tickets at the self-scanner,” recalled Willson of the moment he realized he won. “The lady at the counter checked for me as well!”
The Merritt resident first shared the news with his son. “He didn’t believe it, but he was very happy for me and for this to help our retirement.”
With his winnings, Willson plans to make some upgrades to his home, take care of his wife and save the rest for his retirement.
Willson purchased and validated his ticket at the Shell station on De Wolf Way in Merritt.
In 2024, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $144 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.
As B.C.’s only legal gambling website, PlayNow.com is the only site whose profits benefit British Columbians through investments in things like healthcare, education and community programs.
Players can visit PlayNow.com to learn how to set time and money limits. For more information on tools and resources to encourage healthy play, visit GameSense.com.
