Quebec winner opts for $1,000 a week for life over $1 million lump sum
Laval resident Maria Caroli won Gagnant à vie and chose $1,000 a week for life instead of a $1 million lump sum.
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By Torontoer Staff
A Laval woman who won the Gagnant à vie top prize chose steady payments over a single large cheque. Maria Caroli will receive $1,000 a week for life after winning the $5 ticket her spouse bought as a gift.
Caroli said she rarely plays the lottery and only scanned the ticket briefly before leaving for work. Her spouse later discovered the win and called her at work to share the news.
How she learned she had won
Caroli did not check the ticket at home. Her spouse found the winning ticket and phoned while she was at the office. She left work early after the call.
I left work at noon, I was too excited!
Maria Caroli
The winning ticket was purchased at the IGA Extra on Boulevard Curé-Labelle in Laval. The retailer will receive a one per cent commission on the prize, totalling $10,000.
Why she picked weekly payments
When claiming her prize at Loto-Québec headquarters, Caroli had to decide between the advertised $1,000 a week for life or a $1 million lump sum. She chose the weekly annuity to preserve her current lifestyle and to gain financial peace of mind.
Most winners take the lump sum, but an annuity removes the risk of spending the entire payment quickly and provides predictable income. Caroli said the regular payments will let her budget without big changes.
How to weigh the options
- Control and investment: A lump sum gives immediate control and the potential for higher long-term returns if invested well.
- Security and discipline: An annuity supplies steady income and reduces the chance of overspending.
- Taxes and income: Lottery winnings are not taxed in Canada, but investment income from a lump sum will be taxable.
- Inflation and longevity: Annuities can underperform in real terms over many years unless they include cost-of-living adjustments.
- Estate planning: A lump sum can be passed to heirs more easily, while annuity rules vary by program and provider.
- Professional advice: Consult a financial planner and a tax or legal advisor before deciding.
Which option is best depends on personal factors such as age, health, spending habits and investment experience. Financial professionals can model scenarios to compare likely outcomes.
Context and recent winners
The Gagnant à vie ticket costs $5. Other recent lottery stories in Quebec include eight strangers who split a $5-million Lotto 6/49 jackpot in the Dec. 13 draw.
Loto-Québec processes prize claims at its headquarters and publishes winner notices. Retailers who sell winning tickets receive a small commission as an incentive.
Responsible play
All forms of gambling involve risk and rely on chance. Players should set limits and seek support if gambling causes harm. Provincial resources and counselling services are available for those who need help.
Caroli collected her prize in person and chose the route that best suited her plans. Her decision highlights the practical considerations winners face when balancing immediate wealth against steady lifetime income.
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