Lotto Max Winner From BC Found Out He'd Won & His Sister Told Him She Needs A Swimming Pool

A Lotto Max winner from B.C. shared the exciting news with his sister, who told him she wanted a swimming pool out of his newfound fortune.

Anthony Gartner, from Prince George, won just over $130,000 from the Lotto Max draw on December 3, 2021.

He bought his ticket from Walmart on Southridge Avenue but his interest was piqued when his wife told him someone in Prince George had won.

He said, "I went to a gas station to check it, scanned it a few times, and then took it to the clerk. He said, 'Congratulations!'"

"I didn't know if I should laugh or cry… I felt kind of dumbfounded that I actually won," he recalled of his initial reaction. "Words can't describe this feeling."

After finding out he had won $131,378.20, he shared the news with his sister first.

He said, "She gave me a big congrats and then said, 'By the way, I need a swimming pool.'"

Gartner plans to use some of his prize money to buy his brother's car, which he says has been in the family for 57 years, and may also purchase a new home.

Lottery winners in B.C. won a combined $891 million in 2021.

The province's biggest winner was Christine Lauzon, from Burnaby, who won a $70 million Lotto Max jackpot in September, even though she only went to the shop to buy peanuts.

Most recently, Anne Schmiedel, from Summerland, won $1 million and didn't even have to pay anything for her ticket because she was using her free play for the Lotto 6/49 draw.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, refer to these helplines across Canada. Support is available.