A Calgarian is many millions of dollars richer after claiming a record-breaking lottery prize last month.
James Jutzi took home the top prize from the June 15 Lotto 6-49 draw — winning a Western Canada record Gold Ball Jackpot of $66 million.
Jutzi bought the winning ticket from a 7-Eleven store in northeast Calgary with $2 he previously won on a Lotto Max ticket. He says when he went back to the store to check the winning ticket the cashier was left in disbelief at the winning amount.
“His eyes almost popped out of his head,” says Jutzi in a news release. “He was more surprised than me.”
He says the first person he called after the big win was his boss.
“I’ve been working as a handyman since I was a kid,” he says. “When I found out I’d won I said, ‘that’s it!
No more work!’”
Originally from Ontario, the now self-proclaimed Albertan says he is ready for some rest and relaxation after a life of hard work. He plans on buying property near Calgary and has already bought a gift for his mom.
“I’ve bought my mom an Escalade,” he said. “I also heard Cadillac is making a truck that I may have my eye on.”
“I had four dreams back-to-back in the 80s about winning the lottery. I couldn’t see the amount, but I remember holding the cheque,” he added.
The $66 million win is the biggest-ever Lotto 6-49 winner in Western Canada. The Gold Ball Jackpot can hit a maximum $68 million and has only seen one winner ever at the amount when an Ontario resident claimed the prize last year.