It’s No Joke for $55 million Lotto Max Winner

A joke about winning a jackpot became true for Matthew Poppel from Saskatoon in Canada. Little did he know at the time of the joke he’d won $55 million playing Lotto Max.

The jackpot in the October 19 draw is the second highest won by a player in from the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The highest is a $60 million win five years ago.

Having a laugh

Matthew had heard that the $55 million winning ticket had been sold in Saskatoon so decided to joke about it with a friend.Poppel explains just what he did: “I called my buddy and said, 'I saw you won the lottery. When can I expect my million dollars?'"  The pair laughed and were both like ‘Yeah, right. Can you imagine.’ Except, Matthew didn’t have to use his imagination at all.

He checked his Lotto Max ticket and was shocked to discover that he was the jackpot winner. “I did not think for a second that I had actually won $55 million," said the Saskatoon resident. "I did not expect that to be something that happened to me."

I can really help people now

The Lotto Max winner says that he is going to take some time to work out how to spend his windfall but has some ideas already.Like many of us, he’s dreamed of winning the lottery but only $1 million. With this massive win, the Lotto Max winner says that “I can really help people now.”

"I was thinking – and joking (again) – that I should buy a luxury vehicle just because I can," Matthew said. "But now I think it's a good idea. I can buy it, so why not!?"

It’s not all about luxurious purchases though. He would like to help his parents retire. Also planned is securing the financial future of his family and children. Oh, and there’ll also be some “fun toys” purchased.

His winning Lotto Max ticket was purchased from the Pinnacle Gas & Food station in Saskatoon. It was lucky enough to match: 12, 26, 28, 32, 41, 43 and 50.

Get some tickets online from Lottery24.