Winning the lottery even once is something most people only dream about. But for Marcel Leclaire, that dream has come true three different times—and each win has been just as thrilling as the first.
🎉 A Third Big Surprise
Less than a year after his previous win, the 73-year-old from Greater Sudbury walked into the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Prize Centre again—this time to claim his third major lottery prize.
He had picked up a $5 Instant Lunar 8s ticket simply because something on it caught his attention.
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He’s a big fan of David Pastrňák
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The hockey star’s jersey number is 88
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The ticket featured the same number
That little detail convinced him to give it a try.
When he checked the ticket at the store, he realized he had won the top prize of $88,888.
“I stood there in complete shock,” Leclaire said.
“Even though it was my third big win, the feeling was just as intense as the first.”
He quickly shared the exciting news with his brother, who was thrilled for him.
💰 His Biggest Win Yet
Earlier, in 2025, Leclaire had another incredible moment. He purchased a $30 Instant Platinum scratch ticket—mainly because it looked “nice and shiny.”
That simple choice turned into a $3 million top prize.
“This is just amazing,” he said. “It’s an incredible feeling.”
With that windfall, Leclaire planned to:
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Buy a new home
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Share it with family and loved ones
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Set aside money for savings
🥇 The First Stroke of Luck
His lucky streak actually began years earlier.
Back in May 2017, the retired taxi driver—who had been playing the lottery for decades—won $1 million through an Encore prize in the Lotto 6/49 draw.
At first, he thought he had only won $1,000.
Then he noticed the extra zeros.
Imagine that moment! 😲
🌎 Dreams Beyond the Jackpot
Even with millions in winnings, Leclaire says his biggest dream isn’t flashy.
He hopes to travel across Canada to reconnect with family and loved ones.
“My dream is to travel west to visit family, take my time seeing the country, and reconnect with the people I love.”
⭐ Life as a Three-Time Winner
Today, Leclaire is planning to:
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Purchase a new house
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Fill it with new furniture
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Put part of his winnings into savings
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Spend more time with family
For someone who has beaten the odds three times, one thing is clear: luck may strike once for most people—but sometimes it keeps coming back. 🍀
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