Last week, an Oakville man placed a bet on several NFL match-ups playing OLG's POOLS sports betting game. And because he was the only winner province-wide, he ended up winning a grand prize worth just over $400,000.
OLG says that local man George Papadopoulos "got way into the game with a $407,613 POOLS win."
Papadopoulos, who works in transportation, says he's been playing the lottery with OLG for "many years", playing common games like Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max, while also sports betting with POOLS and PROLINE.
While he has had a few smaller wins over the years, nothing could have prepared him for his first big win.
"It came down to the last two games on my POOLS ticket," recalled Papadopoulos, picking up his prize in Toronto. "I saw that Kansas City won their game. I had a feeling that game was going to be a close one. When Houston won, I knew I had it."
"I’ve watched football all my life and I love it. I was so happy and excited when I realized I won. I shared the news with my partner, who was in bed sleeping at the time. I leaned into her and whispered, ‘We got it!’"
George first bought his winning ticket at Abbeywood Convenience on Abbeywood Drive here in Oakville. Eager to find out how much he had won, George was up early the following Tuesday to check the prize pool and the number of winners.
"When I saw that my ticket was the only winner and that I had won over $400,000, I said, ‘Yes!’ All the upsets I played came through," he beamed.
So what does he plan to do with his winnings?
"I want to share some of this win with my children," George says with a big smile. "I also plan to take my partner on a trip where we can appreciate the Ontario fall colours and hear the call of the loons. I may look for a new home and enjoy some more travel as well. I have a lot of fun decisions to make! I’m incredibly grateful for this win."
To play POOLS, each $5 wager lets plateys to pick a sport and card number, before selecting who you think will win each match-up. Players who get the most correct picks eventually win or share the prize pool.
POOLS is available to be played both online and in-store.
OLG, "supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program."
Congratulations George!