Arnprior-area woman nets $650K, looking to buy boat and travel
Posted Oct 4, 2018 04:46:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A Braeside woman is the first top prize winner in the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's new Instant 'The Bigger Spinner' game.
In front of her family and friends, Gina Barriault took a spin on the wheel at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to win $650,000.
“I played my [scratch] tickets at home while enjoying a cup of coffee,” said the retired support service worker. “When I saw the 'SPIN' prize, I knew I had to go back to the store. I expected I'd win $10 or $20.”
Barriault was shocked when she saw the virtual wheel on the lottery terminal land on a 'Bigger Spin' prize.
“I froze. And then, realizing I won big, I started jumping around and squealing,” she laughed. “I still didn't know exactly how big my prize could be, so I pulled out my glasses and started frantically reading the back of the ticket.”
The 54-year-old has some special travel plans in mind for her windfall.
“I was born in Newfoundland, so I've been planning to see the musical 'Come from Away,' but now I'll be going to see it in New York City!”
Barriault also plans to treat her partner of 30 years to a new truck and BBQ.
“We're nature lovers so a new boat is on our minds as well.”
The mother of two and grandmother of five also plans to help her family.
“I'm a regular lottery player but I never expected this to happen to me,” concluded Barriault.
