Vincent Biamonte of Niagara Falls won a LOTTO 6/49 prize worth $42 million in the Gold Ball Draw on June 14. The 32-year-old who works in the hospitality industry says he’s been a regular lottery player since 2013. He has always dreamt of financial independence and freedom. Vincent bought his tickets on his way home from work. “I waited in line at Avondale, even though it was really busy,” he recalled, while at the OLG Prize Centre to pick up his massive windfall. “The morning after the draw I was chatting with my dad who told me the Gold Ball winning ticket was sold in Niagara Falls and kept suggesting I check my tickets.” “While having lunch, my dad insisted I check my tickets, so I scanned one and the ‘Winner/Gagnant’ tune played, but it was just a free play. I heard my dad go outside and then checked my other ticket and saw, ‘Big Winner,’ but thought it was $42,000,” he recounted. “After a second look at the zeroes, I started shouting for my dad repeating, ‘It’s me! It’s me!’”
Vincent’s hands were shaking, and his knees were trembling in that moment. “I was so shocked – I had my phone in one hand and the ticket in the other. I was trying to not fall down the stairs,” he laughed. “My body was buzzing with adrenaline. My dad had this feeling it was me – he fell to the floor full of joy and excitement.”
He called his sister next and told her to come over right away. “She came over expecting to hear bad news. I handed her the ticket to scan herself. She thought it was $42,000 at first as well. She said she had a warm feeling wash over her and congratulated me with a big hug. My brother-in-law came over next and was overjoyed – it was wonderful to share this moment with my family. I wish my mom who passed away could have been here as well – I made sure to honour her memory that night.”
Vincent said his sister and brother-in-law have been his wonderful voices of reason as he prepared to collect this multi-million-dollar lottery prize. “It’s an emotional journey that feels a lot like a roller coaster. My family and I still shake our heads wondering if it’s real.”
What’s next for Vincent? “I hope to not fall down while leaving the Prize Centre,” he said with a laugh. (To confirm, he did not fall down while leaving the OLG Prize Centre.) “I have consulted some trusted advisors, but the first thing is to plan a family trip to celebrate this win together. I want to take good care of my dad, sister, and brother-in-law and then focus on my cooking and baking skills. I am considering home renovations. But more than anything I want to maintain my peace and privacy. The stability I get from my family and supportive community will keep me grounded,” he concluded. The winning ticket was purchased at Avondale on Montrose Road in Niagara Falls.
