London woman wins $250,000, plans retirement after second lottery prize in a year
London, Ont., resident Marianne "Mary" Spence won $250,000 on a $10 ticket, her second big win in under a year after $20,000. She plans to buy a car and consider retirement.
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By Torontoer Staff
Marianne "Mary" Spence of London, Ontario, is set to retire after winning $250,000 on a $10 instant ticket, her second substantial lottery prize in less than a year. Spence, who works at a law office and has played lottery games for about 40 years, claimed the ticket at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
Her recent win follows a $20,000 victory in February on an Instant Ruby Solitaire ticket. The larger prize arrived after she tried a newly released $10 game at a Market Lottery kiosk on King Street in London.
Two wins in under a year
Spence describes a long history of casual play, and two unexpected payouts in quick succession have shifted her plans. She said the $20,000 win earlier this year felt like a turning point, and the $250,000 prize magnified that change.
I began to shake and had to take some time to process what happened.
Marianne "Mary" Spence
Spence returned to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim the larger prize. At one point her family thought the prize was $25,000, she said, which added a comic note to an emotional evening.
What she plans to do with the money
Spence said she will buy a new car for her daughter, who is preparing to get her licence. Retirement is now under active consideration. She described the win as life changing and said it has given her clarity about the possibilities ahead.
I cant put it into any other words besides amazing. I cant stop smiling!
Marianne "Mary" Spence
How prize claims work
Large instant-ticket prizes are typically claimed at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming prize centre in Toronto. Winners must present valid identification and complete required claim forms. Lottery winnings in Canada are not subject to income tax, so winners receive the full advertised cash amount.
Retailers that sell winning tickets can include local convenience and lottery kiosks. Spence bought her winning $10 ticket at Market Lottery on King Street in London.
A note on gambling risks
All forms of gambling, including instant lottery tickets, involve risk and are games of chance. Players should set limits and play responsibly. Provincial lottery organisations provide information and links to support services for anyone experiencing gambling-related harm.
- Set a budget before you play and stick to it
- Treat lottery play as entertainment, not an income source
- Seek help through provincial responsible gambling programs if you notice risky behaviour
Spences back-to-back wins are uncommon, and her story highlights how a small habit can suddenly change plans. She said the prizes have brought joy and the chance to make concrete decisions about her and her familys future.
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