Winning Hawkesbury couple must wait 30 days for OLG review

A Hawkesbury couple that won the $50-million Lotto Max jackpot on New Year's Eve will have to wait another 30 days before cashing in on the money, according to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Gaetan and Jo Ann Champagne presented themselves at the OLG headquarters in Toronto on Wednesday, January 4 to claim the prize. However, as both were recently employed as lottery retailers - as owners of a dépanneur business in Hawkesbury until last October - the claim is subject to the corporation's "insider wins" process.

"The payment of prizes to insiders is held for 30 days to allow anyone with concerns regarding the prize to come forward," reads a press release from the OLG. "Under this process, the prize claim will be reviewed by OLG, and independently through the province's lottery regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario."

According to the "No Play at Work" policy, established in 2009, licensed OLG retailers are prohibited from purchasing, checking or redeeming their own tickets at their place of employment. However, they are allowed to play at other retail locations - the same way as any other customer - but any claim is nevertheless subject to the "insider" process.

"The Champagnes owned and operated Jo's Depanneur in Hawkesbury until October 2011, with Mrs. Champagne continuing to work at the convenience store until recently," states the OLG, adding: "The jackpot-winning ticket was purchased at Pharmaprix in Hawkesbury."

The Champagnes say they understand the process but are confident they will be allowed to claim the prize. OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti noted the couple reported their insider status immediately and, as recent lottery retailers, were aware of the process.

The couple said they plan to give money to their family and buy some new things, but also are looking to support their local food bank - which was broken into over the Christmas holiday - and the hospital.

"Mainly, we're going to focus on giving back to our little town," said Jo-Ann.

It is the responsibility of any so-called "insider" to advise the corporation of his or her relationship to OLG upon claiming a prize. Insiders also include immediate family members or any other relatives who reside with that person.

The odds of winning Lotto Max on a $5 play, which includes three sets of numbers, is one in 28.6 million. The maximum prize for the weekly, nationwide draw is $50 million; there have been 16 other jackpot wins since its launch in September 2009.