A resident of Surrey, B.C., has claimed a Lotto Max jackpot of CAD $80 million, which is B.C.'s highest lottery jackpot to date and the largest ever given to an individual in Canada. 

Intentions to Attend a Live LeBron Game 

Justin Simporios received the cheque from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and, with tears in his eyes, expressed that he will now have more time to spend with his wife, daughter, and family. Simporios, 35, mentioned that due to the victory, his mother won't need to work anymore. 

Simporios informed the media that he usually sleeps well and “can doze off anywhere,” but he was unable to fall asleep after discovering he had won the May 9 lottery. 

“It was 10:30 p.m.,” recalled Simporios of the moment he realized he won. “I saw that someone won $80 million in Surrey. I was joking and told my wife ‘We’re millionaires!’ and she told me to stop making that joke. After, I manually checked each number before scanning [using the BCLC Lotto! App] I cried and shouted, ‘we’re millionaires!’”

Skepticism 

Simporios roused his wife to tell her the news. Her first response was skepticism, yet his daughter had not been in good health. However, Simporios' spouse concurred that an $80 million lottery victory was a valid reason to rouse her. 

“I’ll pay off my sister’s medical school debt and help my mom retire early – just giving my family a head start in life,” he said.

Simporios also mentioned that a major priority for him is to contribute to the community in Surrey. 

“I’ve struggled before and needed help,” he said. “Even if I can give an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can. This feels like a dream.”

Assisting the Community 

Simporios is an avid admirer of LeBron James and expressed his desire to watch the L.A. Lakers’ superstar compete in a game before James decides to retire. Rumors about James's retirement are circulating, as he recently mentioned that he hasn't yet discussed his playing career's continuation with his family, which would mark his 23rd season. Therefore, it’s premature to say if Simporios’ James aspiration will become a reality. 

Nonetheless, a journey to the Philippines for a family gathering is definitely feasible, so Simporios mentions he’ll begin organizing that. 

“My wife and kid have never visited,” he said. “The biggest change will be having more time with my wife and family. We want to live with a purpose – to help the community around us.”

Unprecedented Victory 

Lotto Max is a countrywide lottery game recognized for its bigger jackpots, held on Tuesdays and Fridays. The provincial organizations oversee the national lotteries, which, however, maintain uniform rules and prize structures across the country. BCLC also runs provincial lotteries, such as BC/49 and Keno – usually featuring smaller prize pools but possibly improved odds. 

Simporios bought his winning ticket at the Walmart Supercentre located in Central City, Surrey.