Niagara Falls couple who nab $1,000,000 lottery “in shock”

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Published March 21, 2022 at 4:14 pm

A Niagara Falls couple who always add ENCORE to their lottery tickets are certainly glad that’s their routine as they just picked up $1 million for matching all seven numbers in the February 9 LOTTO 6/49 draw.

Franco and Julie Ciraco told the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto that they always add ENCORE to their tickets.

Said Franco, “I went to the store to check my ticket and when the ticket checker said ‘Big Winner’ I thought, ‘What?!’ When the store clerk confirmed the win, I was in shock and kept questioning if this was real!”

Julie said it took her a few days before the reality of their win set in. “It’s nerve racking, but I am so happy. It’s going to be wonderful for me and my family,” she smiled.

The couple, married for 30 years, plan to share this win with their children, plan a few trips and complete some home renovations. “And I will join Julie in retirement a little sooner,” said Franco.

The winning ticket was purchased at Highland Farms on Ellesmere Road in Scarborough.


Franco and Julie Ciraco of Niagara Falls always play their ENCORE with their lottery tickets and that paid off with a $1 million win for them.

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