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Thanks, Mom! Birthday gift leads to $75K windfall for Barrie man

Anthony Firetto hopes to share his winnings with his mother, as well as putting some money in the bank
Anthony Firetto_Photo
Supplied photo

NEWS RELEASE
OLG
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TORONTO – Anthony Firetto of Barrie is really enjoying this year’s birthday gift from his mother after winning $75,000 with Instant Tetris (Game #2229).

Every year the 56-year-old, married father of two, receives an Instant ticket as a birthday gift from his mother. While visiting her, he played the ticket but wasn’t sure if he had actually won because it was his first time playing Instant Tetris.

While out for a walk with his mom, they stopped at a nearby retailer to check the ticket. "When the cashier checked it, all the bells and whistles went off on the lottery terminal. It felt surreal!"

Anthony was eager to share the great news with his immediate family, all of whom were shocked and very pleased for him.

Anthony hopes to share the windfall with his mom as well as putting some money in the bank. "You never think you'll win so much money. I don't think it will feel real until it is in my account!"

In accordance with government-issued lockdown measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, OLG is currently limiting the number of in-person prize claim appointments at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to only those that require a face-to-face interview. Customers with prizes over $50,000 are asked to call 1-800-387-0098 to discuss available prize claim options.

Prize claims up to $49,999.90 should continue to be submitted by mail. The health and safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority and OLG looks forward to providing future updates on the availability of in-person prize claims.

Instant Tetris was available for $3 and the top prize was $75,000. Odds of winning any prize were 1 in 3.47. As all major prizes for this game have now been claimed, it is no longer available for sale. Visit the INSTANT page on OLG.ca for more information on other great games.

The winning ticket was purchased at Rexall on Frederick Street in Kitchener.

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