NIPIGON -- A Nipigon resident has won $500,000 playing Lotto Max.
Linda Robbins, a public service retiree, won the half-million-dollar prize in the Feb. 16 Maxmillions draw and said she's been playing the lottery faithfully for years before hitting the jackpot.
"This is my first big win," Robbins told Ontario Lottery and Gaming officials while picking up her winnings at the prize centre in Toronto.
She discovered her good fortune when she decided to check her tickets while out shopping.
"My husband was wandering around the store and said, 'Holler for me when you win!' I used the ticket checker and when I saw 'Big Winner' appear on the screen, I thought it was an ad at first. I checked it again and saw the same message - so I yelled across the store for my husband. I could barely speak at that point. My heart was racing."
Robbins plans to pay some bills and share her win with her family.
"I will treat my husband to a new 'toy', share with the grandchildren and enjoy the good news while I decide my next steps," Robbins said.
Another winning ticket with the same numbers for the Feb. 16 draw was sold in Hamilton.
The winning ticket was purchased at The Bargain Shop on Front Street in Nipigon.
