A $350K win 15 years in the making

Robert M. wins $350,000 on OLG Crossword ticket. May 8, 2026. PHOTO: CTV NEWS BARRIE

Robert M. said he’s been playing the lottery with OLG for at least 15 years.

He enjoys a variety of games, including PICK-3, DAILY KENO, and INSTANT tickets.

The 75-year-old Wasaga Beach man was playing his INSTANT CROSSWORD ticket and began uncovering words, one by one.

“Wouldn’t you know it, the last word I matched was November — my birthday month,” Robert said while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his windfall.

“I showed my friend the ticket and she thought I had won $3,500 at first. I told her to take a second look. When she realized it was $350,000, she was so shocked and excited,” he said with a smile. “I was also in a state of disbelief!”

With his winnings, Robert plans to invest for his future.

INSTANT CROSSWORD EXTREME is available for $30 a play and the top prize is $350,000. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.42.

The winning ticket was purchased at West River Convenience on River Road West in Wasaga Beach.