BURSTA Quesnel resident has claimed a $46-million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Jackpot after checking his ticket following news of a local win.
According to a press release from BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Richard Z. was relaxing at home when he learned someone had won the Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Jackpot with a ticket purchased in Quesnel.
He decided to check his own ticket and discovered he had won the $46-million jackpot in Dec. 20, 2025 draw.
“The ticket was only visually validated,” Richard said.
He checked the BCLC website and suspected he might hold the winning ticket, but the reality of the win set in when the website confirmed it was the Gold Ball.
“When it said it was the Gold Ball, that’s when the overwhelming feelings set in; knowing that out of everyone in Canada, I had the ticket that won $46 million,” Richard added.
Richard, who lives in Quesnel, first shared the news with his wife.
“At first, there were tears of joy. It was overwhelming!” he said.
The couple plans to use the winnings to travel, with Richard particularly eager to see the pyramids. They hope to enjoy stress-free trips while taking their time deciding what comes next.
Despite the life-changing win, he said they intend to maintain their current lifestyle.
“It feels great. We want to live the life we live now and still want to keep our lives simple,” Richard said.
The winning ticket was purchased at Billy Barker Casino in Quesnel. Richard completed his prize claim at BCLC’s Kamloops office on Oct. 16.
So far in 2026, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $135 million in Lotto 6/49 winnings.