Lawrence Campbell, a resident of Winnipeg in Manitoba Province, filed the lawsuit last month, alleging that he purchased a Lotto 6/49 ticket on Jan. 19, 2024, while living with his then-girlfriend, Krystal Ann McKay.
Campbell said he had lost his wallet and gave the ticket to McKay for safekeeping. He later rediscovered it on the floor of a friend’s house and scanned it with his phone, realizing he had won the CA$5 million jackpot, according to The Independent.
The couple reportedly shared the news with friends and family and went to a nearby Shoppers Drug Mart to film a video verifying the win.
An official at the Western Canada Lottery Corporation informed Campbell that he was ineligible to claim the prize without valid identification and suggested that McKay collect the winnings on his behalf.
On Jan. 30, 2024, McKay received the ceremonial cheque as the official winner during a press conference.
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Lawrence Campbell and his girlfriend Krystal Ann McKay when receiving the ceremonial cheque with McKay (R) as the official winner during a press conference in January 2024. Photo from McKay’s Facebook |
Interestingly, McKay said during the event that the ticket had been a birthday gift from Campbell.
For that detail, Campbell confirmed, saying: “She had been asking me for three weeks to get a ticket, but I never went and got one.”
“Then we drove by one, and I was like ‘OK, I might as well go get you one right now,'” he said at the press conference.
The prize money was deposited into McKay’s account. However, according to The New York Postshe disappeared from the hotel room they were sharing within days.
Campbell claims McKay told him she wanted to end their relationship and be with a new man. She then blocked him on social media, cut off contact, and later obtained a restraining order against him.
Campbell’s lawyer said his client is also suing the Western Canada Lottery Corporation and the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation, alleging they gave harmful advice and mishandled the prize process by failing to warn him about the risks of allowing McKay to sign the claim, according to CTV News.
McKay’s lawyer said his client denies all allegations and will file a formal defense. A court has barred McKay from gifting, transferring, or investing the lottery money while the case is under review.
A hearing is scheduled for June 13.
