Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has reopened its prize centre. The building has been closed to the public since March 17, when the province declared a state of emergency over COVID-19. Since then, at least 130 ticket holders with wins of $50,000 or more have been waiting to collect their prizes in person. One of those winners is a Goulais River resident, who is the lucky winner of the $1 million Lotto 6/49 draw. OLG released the following release:
Thomas Mitchell of Goulais River has that “6/49 feeling” after winning the Guaranteed $1 Million Prize in the March 14, 2020 LOTTO 6/49 draw.
The OLG Prize Centre in Toronto has resumed in-person prize claims for winning-ticket holders of $50,000 or more by-appointment only. To best protect customers and staff, OLG has put in place appropriate health and safety protocols in accordance with guidelines from public health officials, which include physical distancing measures, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the pre-screening of visitors before granting entry.
Currently, OLG is reaching out to major prize winners ($50,000+) who have been unable to claim their prizes due to COVID-19 to schedule appointments for in-person prize claims. Future announcements will be made as to when OLG will open appointments to others wishing to claim their prize in-person at the Prize Centre.
LOTTO 6/49 players in Ontario have won over $13 billion in prizes since 1982, including 1,392 jackpot wins and 335 Guaranteed $1 Million Prize draws. LOTTO 6/49 is $3 per play and draws take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The winning ticket was purchased at The Goulais River Country Store on Highway 17 in Goulais River.