On February 7, 2024, it was announced that long-time friends and former co-workers Carmen Austria, Gary Perkins and Catherine Wall won the $50 million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot.
This Gold Ball jackpot was won with a ticket purchased for the Lotto 6/49 draw on December 9, 2023.
"We've been friends for over 20 years and started buying tickets together 17 years ago," Perkins told the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. "Buying tickets was just a fun thing for us to do, winning together is what makes it so special."
Each of the winners is taking home $16.6 million of the $50 million Gold Ball jackpot.
What are Austria, Perkins and Wall going to do with all that cash? All of them have the same idea.
"We're going to share with our families," Austria said.
"I want my family to know they can relax and enjoy their time — I'm going to take care of them," the Lotto 6/49 winner continued.
Perkins also revealed that all he's been able to think of when it comes to spending this money is sharing with his family.
"It's hard to wrap your head around this much money," he continued.
Lotto 6/49 winners Carmen Austria, Gary Perkins and Catherine Wall.Courtesy of Western Canada Lottery Corporation
When asked to describe how the $50 million win feels, the friends shared that it's giving them "freedom, peace and joy."
Also, Wall explained that winning the jackpot came with a lot of emotions.
"I don't think anything prepares you for that much emotion. And now, I just feel happy and grateful it's amazing," she said.
Austria purchased the $50 million winning ticket for just $10 at Scenic Acres Husky in Calgary.
The Lotto 6/49 winning numbers for the Gold Ball draw on December 9 that scored these friends the jackpot was 25957733-01.
This is the first Gold Ball jackpot that has ever been won in Alberta and the Prairies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, refer to these helplines across Canada. Support is available.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Lotto 6/49 winner Oleksii Shypylenko.Courtesy of Western Canada Lottery Corporation