Magrath local’s $1M birthday surprise: a winning LOTTO 6/49 ticket!

Duane Maldaner got a million-dollar surprise the day before his birthday. The Magrath local won $1 million on the May 24 LOTTO 6/49 draw! 

“I was just sitting by myself and checked my ticket—I was pleasantly surprised!” he said. “The kids were coming over for my birthday BBQ the next day so I knew I could tell them then!” 

“When my wife came home, I just handed the ticket to her and waited for her to figure it out,” he chuckled. “Once she realized, we were both excited.” 

Maldaner said his family had some more hilarious responses to the win. 

“My one child said, ‘Dad, I bought you a nice gift and you’re not even going to enjoy it now!’” he laughed. 

“The biggest birthday gift is knowing we’re going to retire comfortably in a few years,” he added. “It’s like a weight has been taken off—it’s freeing!” 

Maldaner purchased his winning LOTTO 6/49 ticket from Gonzo’s Gas N’ Go at 913 9 Avenue N in Lethbridge. He won his prize in the LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball Draw on May 24 with the selection: 37210797-01, a white ball. 

Download the full release and winner's photo below.