TORONTO, ON – The possibilities are endless for Zhilei (Jerry) Yin of Markham after winning $1,000 a week for life with INSTANT CASH FOR LIFE (Game #1182). Jerry opted for the lump sum prize of $675,000.

Jerry, a 24-year-old rideshare driver, has been a loyal lottery player with OLG since he turned 18. He enjoys playing a variety of games and especially looks forward to trying new ones as they’re released. Now, he is overjoyed to share the story of his first big win.

With $4 in his pocket, Jerry walked by a lottery kiosk when he grabbed a CASH FOR LIFE ticket. “I used to play CASH FOR LIFE a few years ago, but I stopped for a bit,” he explained, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings. “It wasn’t until a couple days ago, when someone suggested I pick one up, that I decided I’d give it another try. I made up my mind that the next time I was at the store, I’d get one — and that turned out to be my winning ticket!”

Jerry played his ticket right there at the kiosk. When he uncovered three LIFE symbols in the same game, his eyes grew wide with shock. “I gasped and took a step back. My heart was racing, my face turned red, and my hands started shaking,” he recounted. “I said to myself, ‘This can’t be real! Then, I took a deep breath and checked my ticket about five more times,” he said with a laugh. “I was so excited I could hardly breathe!”

After taking a moment to collect himself, Jerry called his mom to share the remarkable news. “I said, ‘Mom — guess what? I won big!’ At first, she didn’t believe me. I sent her a video of myself validating my ticket, and that’s when she realized it was true. She was beyond happy for me and began to scream and cheer,” he recalled with a smile.

Jerry also broke the news to a group of friends. “Initially, they thought I’d won $1,000. I said, ‘Guys…it’s $1,000 a week for life.’ They were thrilled for me!”

When asked what it’s like to win the lottery, Jerry said, “It feels incredible! When I first found out I’d won, I thought I was dreaming. Now, there are so many emotions running through my mind. I feel so grateful and blessed to have won this prize at such a young age. I always dreamt of winning the lottery, but never imagined it would happen so soon.”

With his windfall, Jerry plans to pay off bills, invest, and purchase a new car. He also plans to treat himself to a new laptop, and perhaps buy some new camping gear for an upcoming trip.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds,” he added, beaming. “Thank you to OLG for this life-changing moment. My life just got a thousand times better!”

INSTANT CASH FOR LIFE is available for $4 a play and the top prize is $1,000 a week for life. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.46. Visit the INSTANT page on OLG.ca for more information on this and other great games.

The winning ticket was purchased at Gateway Lotto on 35 Bloor Street in Toronto.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

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OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG's operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

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