Barrie man dreams of travelling with his first big lottery win

Filippo Ferrara of Barrie, Ont., won $500,000 in the July 19, 2024, Lotto Max draw. (Source: OLG)

Filippo Ferrara dreams about travelling during his retirement after winning half a million dollars with the lottery.

The Barrie man won the $500,000 Maxmillions prize in the July 19 Lotto Max draw, his first significant win.

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Ferrara said he's been playing the lottery for as long as he can remember and always uses the quick pick feature for his numbers.

He was using the ticket checker at the store when he found out he was a big winner.

"When I saw the prize amount pop up on the screen, I couldn't believe my eyes. I scanned my ticket a few more times and immediately went home to figure out what to do next," he shared.

OLG requires winners to sign their ticket on the front and the back and recommends storing it somewhere safe. It also suggests making a copy of the winning ticket.

"Do not put additional writing or markings on your tickets as this can increase the time it takes OLG to process your prize claim," the OLG website notes.

Ferrara contacted his brother to share his exciting news. "He was so happy for me, saying, 'Good for you,'" he recalled.

The winning ticket was purchased in Barrie at the Shell on Cundles Road.

Lottery winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize.