In this OLG Winners series, we’re highlighting the real winning stories of everyday Ontarians who played the lottery. From paying it forward to making long-held dreams a reality, these winners show us what they’re doing with their new fortunes – and how one win can bring joy, hope and even a fresh start.

Justin wasn’t planning to check his lottery ticket that day. The 29-year-old plumber from Elginburg didn’t even remember buying it.

“I was at work when I went to my truck to grab something and saw this ticket I forgot about,” says Justin. He didn’t wait – he opened the OLG app to check his numbers on the spot. “I thought I had won $1,000.”

But then he counted the zeroes. “I gasped for air when I realized the real number.” Justin had actually won $1-million.

It was the first big win for the married father of two. He won the $1-million Gold Ball prize with a LOTTO 6/49 Quick Pick ticket, which randomly generates your numbers. Players can also choose their own six numbers from 1 to 49 for the LOTTO 6/49 draw, but for Justin, it’s “always Quick Pick,” he says.

Think of the Gold Ball prize like an extra chance to win when you play LOTTO 6/49 on top of the classic draw. Every $3 ticket includes two chances to win. With the classic LOTTO 6/49 game, there’s a $5-million jackpot, and with the Gold Ball you could either win the $1-million guaranteed prize – which means that someone will become a millionaire with every draw – or the progressive Gold Ball jackpot, where the grand prize ranges from $10-million up to $68-million.

For the classic LOTTO 6/49 game, the same rules apply as with any conventional lottery game: If your six numbers match the ones drawn, you win the top prize of $5-million. For the Gold Ball jackpot, players get a unique 10-digit Gold Ball Draw number for a chance to win the Gold Ball jackpot or a $1-million prize.

“I instantly went into shock,” says Justin, thinking back to when he saw “Big Winner” appear on his phone. “When I came back to my senses, I ran into the house and showed my dad. We both stood there in silence. Shocked and surprised would be an understatement.”

Next, he told his wife. “She didn’t believe me, and I don’t blame her — I still can’t believe it,” he says. Then he spread the good news with a few close friends. “There was so much positive energy around me,” says Justin. “It was a great feeling.”

Justin is still having a hard time believing his new reality. “This win still hasn’t hit yet,” he says. “I’m still in a state of shock.”

The news may not have sunk in yet, but Justin already knows exactly what he’ll do with his winnings. “I’m going to treat myself, my wife, and kids to a trip, maybe a cruise, and I will save and invest the rest for retirement,” he says.

And he’s certainly not done playing OLG. “I’m definitely going to buy more tickets than I have previously bought,” Justin says, and he plans to make it a ritual. “Grabbing a ticket will be the first thing on my mind every time I go into a gas station.”

For more information on How to Play LOTTO 6/49 as well as full prize details and odds of winning, visit OLG.ca. Get your ticket today!