A Dartmouth, N.S. man claimed $9.8-million from the LOTTO 6/49 jackpot on May 28.
Many people check their lottery numbers at a store, but Jim Hartlin found out he’d won big by calling Atlantic Lottery’s automated winning numbers line.
When Hartlin called to check his luck early Sunday morning, he heard the numbers 18, 29, 31, 36, 43, and 47. After matching the numbers to his ticket, he knew he’d hit the jackpot.
“I’m shocked,” he said. “I had to pinch myself!”
Hartlin placed another call – this time to Atlantic Lottery’s customer contact centre, where he spoke with Linda Cormier.
“What do I get for matching six numbers on 6/49?” he asked Cormier. “I called the line earlier, and I got all six numbers across one line!”
Cormier, who often deals with excited, overwhelmed lottery players says she was thrilled to explain to Hartlin just how valuable his ticket was - $9,824,873.50.
“Are you sitting down? Are you ready,” she asked him. “Looks like you’ve won $9.8-million!”
Hartlin, who worked as a crossing guard, decided his big win would let him retire early.
He says he plans to visit a financial planner and think things through carefully. A new house and vehicle are on his wish list.
The winning LOTTO 6/49 ticket was purchased at Holy Smokes, in Dartmouth, N.S. The retailer will receive a one percent seller’s prize.
