Akwesasne resident celebrates $1 million win

Akwesasne, Ontario – Congratulations to John Boots of Akwesasne for winning $1 million with The Bigger Spin Instant game. John, a skilled trades worker, said he is an occasional lottery player, and loves playing The Big Spin and The Bigger Spin in honour of his late mother. “My mother loved The Price is Right, and the big wheel reminds me of the show,” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.

The father and grandfather was at home when he scratched his ticket and won a SPIN. “I went to the store thinking I was going to win $20,” he recalled. When it landed on Bigger Spin, he was shocked and called his fiancée to join him at the store. “She was amazed!”

When the big day arrived, the 52-year-old said he watched videos of previous winners to prepare for his own spin. “I was astonished to see how much I could win!” In his traditional Indigenous regalia and surrounded by his loved ones, John spun The Bigger Spin Wheel. “I brought items my mother left for me to help me feel like she was with me for this event. It was a beautiful moment. Having my family cheering and jumping up to hug me when I won was so special.”

John, a member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, said he is a dedicated supporter of Indigenous rights, and this win will help him to continue his advocacy. He also plans to use his prize to help his father and set up a food truck. “I’m going to call it ‘Uncle Johnny’s’ after my dad,” he shared. This will provide opportunities for my whole family.”

“I have been working on a better version of myself,” he said. “I am a warrior, and this win feels like a fresh start. So many people dream of a chance like this and it’s incredible to have it happen to me. This win is my clean slate.”

“I wish everyone could have this experience. To go from hoping for a $20 win to winning $1 million is life changing,” he concluded.

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.

The winning ticket was purchased at Oasis Gas & Variety on Fourth Line in Ohsweken.