Ontario Teenager Wins $75,000 Lottery Prize on First Ticket

A teenager from Minden, Ontario, has experienced an extraordinary stroke of luck, winning her first major lottery prize. Eighteen-year-old Haleigh Alessandra Bettencourt-Ferraro is now $75,000 richer after winning the top prize with the Instant Gingerbread Bucks lottery. Remarkably, this was the very first ticket she ever played, gifted to her by her great-aunt for Christmas.

During her visit to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her winnings, Bettencourt-Ferraro recounted the moment she discovered her good fortune. “I played the ticket at home in my living room,” she said. “When my mom scanned it on her phone and realized I’d won the top prize, she and I were both in disbelief. It was such a wonderful moment — my hands started shaking, and I was completely flabbergasted!”

Bettencourt-Ferraro shared her excitement with her family, including her grandmother and aunt, who celebrated the win with her. The victory comes as a poignant moment for the teenager, who has faced significant health challenges. “They said I deserve this win, especially after everything I’ve been through,” she noted, reflecting on her recent hospital stay. “Winning feels amazing and unbelievable. It’s like being stuck on your favourite roller coaster.”

Plans for the Future

With her newfound wealth, Bettencourt-Ferraro has plans to pursue a lifelong passion. “I’m hoping to get a horse,” she said with a smile. “I’ve been horseback riding since I was a kid. If I get to name it — maybe Spots!”

She purchased the winning lottery ticket at a CNIB kiosk in a Walmart located on Strathy Road in Cobourg, Ontario. This win is not an isolated incident; earlier this year, a 19-year-old also won a major lottery prize, using the money to pay off his sister’s student loans.

While lottery winnings can bring joy, it is essential to remember that all forms of gambling involve risk. Individuals are encouraged to gamble responsibly. If anyone is experiencing signs of gambling-related issues, various resources are available for support.

Bettencourt-Ferraro’s story highlights not only the thrill of winning but also the emotional journey that accompanies such a life-changing event. For many, the lottery represents a chance at a better future, and for this Ontario teenager, it certainly has.