Full tank of gas and a life-changing lottery win for Mississauga man

Chophel Norbu says upon learning he’d just won $1 million playing Lotto 6/49, his first thought was to verify it was actually true.

After confirming his big win in the Gold Ball Draw on his Sept. 18 ticket, the Mississauga man’s next thoughts were of his wife.

“Once I was certain of my win, I called my wife to share the good news. Her initial reaction was, ‘Don’t kid with me this early in the morning’,” Norbu recalled, laughing, while collecting his winnings at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Prize Centre in Toronto. “I’ve been overwhelmed with happiness at what this means for my wife. She’s so deserving of the benefits of this prize.”

Norbu, who works in the technology industry, said he was heading to work recently when he decided to stop for gas. He figured he’d check his lottery ticket as well while inside the store.

“I scanned my ticket on the ticket checker, then checked it again to confirm what I was seeing,” he recounted. “I was numb with shock and disbelief. I never imagined I’d win this much money. Even after I got to work, I continued to investigate how this happened to be sure it was real.”

The Mississauga man told OLG officials he’s been playing the lottery for the past 10 years and five years ago increased his ticket-buying frequency to weekly.

Norbu has definite plans for the money.

“This win will go a long way for my family,” he said. “I will help my children to pay for their education and invest for my and my wife’s future. I’ll also make sure that my wife has more time for herself.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Esso/Circle K, on Harvester Road in Burlington.