Mississauga resident one of three lottery winners who hit a snag with $1M claim

A group of three lottery winners finally picked up their prize after concerns about an insider win.

Quan Fu of Thornhill, Li Li Huang of Toronto, and Peter Hsu of Mississauga won the Maxmillions prize worth $1 million in the May 17, 2022 LOTTO MAX draw, according to a press release from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

But since Quan Fu works for an authorized OLG retailer, the claim fell within OLG’s definition of an insider win.

“He did not purchase or validate his ticket at his place of employment,” an OLG press release reads.

As the win was more than $10,000 OLG did an enhanced review and validation as well as a 30-day publication period prior to payment to ensure there are no additional claims on the winning ticket.

They were finally able to pick up their winnings this month.

The three friends said they play the lottery together when the jackpots are high but they were surprised to see all the zeros on this win.

“I scanned the ticket on the OLG App and thought the comma in the prize amount was a period, so I didn’t think much of it at first,” said Fu while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up their winnings. “When I scanned it again later, I was shocked and called the other two right away.”

“This feels unbelievable,” said Hsu.

“This is what you always hope for when you play,” added Huang.

The group members plan to share with their children, save, and pay bills with their winnings.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Dufferin Street in North York.