Matyas Deri is $675,000 richer thanks to a Set for Life ticket picked up in Nanaimo. (submitted/Matyas Deri))

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SET FOR LIFE

‘It’s a life-changer for sure:’ Nanaimo man wins $675,000 on scratch ticket

Sep 8, 2020 | 10:30 AM

NANAIMO — Buying scratch lottery tickets when fueling up his truck paid off in a major way for a Nanaimo man.

Matyas Deri hit the jackpot on a Set for Life ticket on Aug. 10, purchased at the Jinglepot Gas N Go.

“I was out doing some errands, fueled up, grabbed the ticket and when I got to where I was going I scratched just the bar code, scanned it with the app on the phone and it said ‘annuity.'”

Deri panicked, scratched the rest of the ticket and found three “Cash for 25” icons, confirming his big win.

His wife and two children secured the ticket in a safe before they could visit BCLC offices to collect their prize. The wait gave them time to process the win.

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“It’s a huge amount of money, a life-changer for sure. We’re going to put some in retirement, some for our kids’ education…we’ve been searching for a house too.”

Deri added the experience so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with friends and family happy for the family’s fortune.

It isn’t the first major prize Deri has won.

“First time I went to the casino, I was 22 years old, I spent 50 cents and won $13,000 on a slot machine.”

The win continues Nanaimo’s streak of lottery wins. Since 2010, 16 people have won $500,000 or more on lottery tickets purchased in the region.

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