Manjurul Ratan of Mississauga, Ont., is ready for the trip of a lifetime, thanks to a $50,000 win in the Nov. 5, 2024, Ontario 49 draw. The retiree, who has been a loyal lottery player for years, says this is his biggest win yet — and it’s opening the door to a long-overdue family reunion.
“It’s been 30 years since I was last in my home country,” said Ratan, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings. “I would like to make that trip happen and spend time with my siblings and their children.”
While reconnecting with family is his top priority, Ratan is also planning to check off some travel dreams.
“I would also like to visit Iceland and Greenland,” he said.
Ratan is no stranger to lottery luck. A dedicated player who tries his luck weekly with Ontario 49, Lotto Max, and Lotto 6/49, he previously won $5,000 in 2019 playing PICK-4.
Still, it doesn’t compare to the thrill of winning $50,000.
“I checked my ticket the day after the draw using the ticket checker at the store. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and had to scan it twice,” said Ratan.
“I then took my ticket to the clerk to have it validated. Speaking with the OLG representative was a great experience!”
Ratan also expressed his appreciation for OLG’s community impact. “I feel proud to have won with OLG, knowing that their profits go back into communities to support all the good things happening in Ontario,” he concluded.
Ontario 49 is a $1 per play game, and the draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. Each play includes one set of six numbers from 1 to 49. Players can match all 6 numbers to win the $2 million jackpot. The winning ticket was purchased at A & J Convenience on John Street in Mississauga.
Tools to stop gambling
If you’re looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.