A casual lottery player from Windsor won a generous chunk of change after winning on a Daily Grand ticket last month.
Bruno Sena Maia won a prize of $25,000 a year for life by matching all five main numbers in the July 11 draw. The 38-year-old automotive worker decided he wants his money up front and opted for a lump sum of $500,000 instead.
Sena Maia, who said he only plays lottery games occasionally, was in shock when he realized he'd won big.
"I was at the store when I gave the ticket to the cashier to check. The terminal froze and the cashier said, ‘I think you’re rich!’ My heart was pumping,” he said while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings.
When he got home Sena Maia tried to play it cool in front of his wife, but said she immediately knew something was up by the look on his face.
"She asked what was wrong and when I told her, she said, ‘You’re kidding’ I said, ‘Not kidding’ and showed her the ticket,” he said. “Then she gave me the biggest hug."
Sena Maia said the win is a huge blessing for him and his family, especially since they are new homeowners.
It's been a crazy experience," said Sena Maia. "My mouth was dry and my eyes were wide, I was freaking out!"
When asked what he plans to do with his new found wealth, Sena Maia explained he plans to do the responsible thing.
"This cheque is the seed of my future. I will plant it, let it grow and enjoy the fruit later."
Sena Maia picked up his winning ticket at an Independent grocery store location on Queen Street in St. Marys.
