A 23-year-old man from Brampton has hit the jackpot in a remarkable way, winning a life-changing prize on his very first lottery ticket purchase. Paras Salhotra was lucky enough to secure the second-place prize in the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) Daily Grand draw on January 20. This thrilling win initially offered him a guaranteed $25,000 per year for life, but Salhotra made the bold choice to accept a lump sum payment of $500,000 instead.
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From Surprise to Reality: How Paras Salhotra’s Lottery Win Unfolded
Salhotra, who had never bought a lottery ticket before, went on to purchase two tickets—one for the Daily Grand and the other for the Lotto Max. It was the Daily Grand ticket that proved to be his golden ticket. The shocking discovery came when Salhotra was preparing for his regular workday.
“I had actually forgotten about the tickets I’d bought,” he revealed. “As I was getting ready for work, I received an email from OLG confirming I’d won a prize. I quickly logged into my OLG.ca account, and that’s when I saw that I’d won $25,000 a year for life. I couldn’t believe it! I had to take the day off from work,” Salhotra recounted in an interview with OLG.
Though initially stunned by the life-changing news, Salhotra didn’t rush to share the exciting news with others right away. He kept the win to himself for a few days, only later calling his parents to break the news. Their first reaction? A mix of skepticism and concern, thinking it might be a scam.
“At first, my parents were concerned that I may have fallen victim to a scam. It wasn’t until I booked my appointment with OLG to claim my prize that they started to believe it was real. I have yet to tell my sisters about my win. It will be a great surprise,” said Salhotra.
A New Chapter: How Paras Plans to Use His Windfall
Salhotra has big plans for his newfound fortune, which include taking care of his family and investing in his long-held dreams. One of his most cherished goals is to open a small café or bistro, a business venture he has always hoped to pursue.
“I’m so excited. This is an amazing opportunity and one that comes with a lot of responsibility,” Salhotra said. “Once I receive my permanent residency, I’d like to invest in a business. I’ve always dreamed of opening a small café or bistro. I would also like to purchase a home. I hope to help my sister achieve her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner and have my parents visit me soon. It’s now my time to take care of them.”
For Salhotra, the win means much more than just personal luxury; it’s about supporting his family’s aspirations and making meaningful investments that will create lasting change.
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Salhotra’s story is a testament to the unexpected joys of life, proving that sometimes, the most life-changing moments happen when you least expect them. His first-ever ticket purchase turned into an instant success, and now, the future holds limitless possibilities. Whether it’s his dream café, a new home, or helping his sister achieve her goals, Paras Salhotra’s win is an inspiring reminder that anything is possible with a little luck and a lot of heart.
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