B.C. woman's plan after winning $100K Lotto Max prize starts with margaritas

A B.C. woman has a few plans for her $100,000 Lotto Max win, but she knows how she wants to celebrate first.

Nora G., of Port Alberni, won a Maxplus prize in the Aug. 11, 20 Lotto Max draw and says margaritas are in order before she turns her attention to paying off the mortgage and helping her kids.

"I was in the kitchen at home when I found out I won," said Nora. "When I saw the prize amount [on the BCLC Lotto! App] I was shocked."

Her husband was the first person to hear the news, but the couple decided not to tell the rest of the family right away. Instead, they kept the $100,000 win to themselves for a few days before Nora chose the perfect moment to share it with their children.

"Once I told my husband, we waited a few days, then I let our kids know at my husband's birthday dinner," she said.

The family suddenly had two reasons to celebrate that night, and Nora said she already has another celebration in mind now that the prize has been claimed — margaritas.

After that, her plans become a little more practical. Nora told BCLC she intends to use the money to pay off her mortgage and help her children.

The winning ticket was purchased at Petro Canada on Hyde Creek Road in Port McNeill.

Lotto Max draws take place every Tuesday and Friday, with jackpots starting at $10 million and growing up to $90 million. Tickets cost $6 and include four selections of seven numbers. Every Lotto Max draw also includes multiple $100,000 cash prizes, called "Maxplus". For every $1 million in the main jackpot, a $100,000 prize is added to the draw.

If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.