Helen Osadca has been playing the lottery for 20 years, usually with instant tickets or Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 when the jackpots climb.
But a new game caught her attention when she stopped at Havana Tobacconist in Niagara Falls.
“I saw Merry Millions was new and decided to try it out,” the Milton resident said of the seasonal game that was available between November and January.
It might be fair to say she now has a new favourite game after winning $50,000 in the Jan. 9 draw.
Osadca was in the store when she decided to check her ticket.
“I saw the Big Winner screen and I was shocked,” she said. “I didn’t believe it and had to scan it a few more times.”
“I had always dreamed of a moment like this. I was excited and emotional. I went out to my car and cried happy tears,” said the retired mother and grandmother.
Osadca plans to pay some bills and share the win with her children.
“I feel so thankful for this blessing,” she said. “It feels like a dream come true.”