Kamloops man celebrates Christmas with $1 million win

Dec 28, 2018 | 3:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops man is $1 million richer after veering away from his usual lottery routine.

In a news release, BCLC says Joseph Kristmanson normally chooses his own numbers whenever he buys a ticket. This time he didn’t and he’s happy about it.

He used the Quick Pick option and matched all seven numbers to win a $1 million Lotto Max Maxmillion prize from the draw held on Dec. 21.

Kristmanson purchased and checked his winning ticket at General Grant’s Convenience Store on Fortune Drive.

“I was checking a bunch of tickets. I couldn’t believe it,” said Kristmanson. “The retailer was stocking milk beside me and noticed I had won. She was so excited for me.”

He’s been playing Lotto Max regularly since 2009, and says the first thing he did was call a close friend — who thought Kristmanson was kidding.

Kristmanson does have some travel plans in the mix, including travelling to Australia and planning something for the New Year. But he says he will “definitely” be donating some of his win.