That’s (Pea)Nuts! BC Woman Claims Largest-Ever Lotto Prize

Written By Jose Colorado on November 2, 2021
$70 million jackpot winner Christine Lauzan holds her big check in front of a light blue wall at BCLC. Lauzan has short light brown hair, glasses, and wears a dark shirt

The largest lotto prize in B.C. history belongs to Christine Lauzon.

The BC-resident pulled a stunning $70 million on the Sept.28 Lotto Max draw, according to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).

Lauzon bought the ticket alongside a pack of peanuts.

The figure ties the record for the biggest lottery win in Canadian history.

Only six other people have previously won $70 million.

“I just thought, ‘Why not buy a ticket?'” said Lauzon, via a press release on her spur-of-the-moment decision.

“I have definitely dreamed about it, but I never thought it would actually happen. You never think it’s going to happen.”

Advice wanted

Lauzon is understandably a little overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.

But she’s formulating a plan.

Lauzon intends to connect with a financial advisor before gifting some cash to her immediate family. She also told BCLC she has “lots of ideas and causes that are close to her heart.”

“I feel nervous and excited all in one,” said Lauzon, who purchased her winning ticket at a Shoppers Drug Mart on Hastings Street in Burnaby

“I can’t fully wrap my head around it all right now. I am so excited for what is to come.”

A few weeks ago, another comical scenario unfolded across the country.

A Manitoba man “forgot” he had purchased the $20 million winning ticket for months.

Identity politics

With a windfall as massive as this, security concerns remain high.

Per BCLC rules, however, winners must have their names and photos made public.

The policy is visible on the back of every ticket sold.

“Part of the requirement of playing the lottery is having your name published as a winner,” said BCLC spokesperson Eric Sampson to the CBC.

“And the reason that requirement exists is so that all of our players in Canada, and of course in B.C., can trust in a system that rightful ticket holders do receive their prizes.”

In 2018 there was a notable exception when BCLC withheld the identity of the winner of a $30 million prize. 

To date, no one knows why.

Requests for anonymity are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances.

The biggest previous B.C. lottery win was in 2019.

A retired fisherman, Joseph Katalinic, claimed $60 million.

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Jose Colorado

Jose Colorado is a British Columbia-based writer. He lives in Burnaby and loves sports, anime, writing, business and the occasional walk on the beach.

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