The otherwise ordinary life of a Richmond man took an extraordinary turn when he hit a whopping $58 million Gold Ball Jackpot of the Lotto 6/49 on March 6. Hao Ping Chung, a regular face in the neighborhood, struck gold when he matched all ten digits to claim the tremendous prize, transforming him overnight as one of the wealthiest in the town.
Purchasing his ticket through the online platform, PlayNow.com, Chung was lured by the alluring jackpot and decided to take his shot. Recalling the unforgettable moment, Chung says, “When I saw the balance in my PlayNow.com account, it didn’t feel real. I even tried to withdraw the funds just to ensure its authenticity. It still feels unreal.”
Following this surreal discovery, Chung’s first instinct was to approach his family to corroborate his unbelievable triumph. Sharing this memory, Chung recalls, ”My parents initially thought it was a scam.” This anecdote drew hearty laughs from the audience.
Savoring his newfound wealth, Chung, an epitome of modesty, still sees himself as “just a regular guy.” With no extravagant plans for his sudden fortune, he revealed that travel, owning his own home, and guitar lessons are the priorities on his wishlist. A fishing enthusiast, Chung quipped, “Who knows, I might also indulge in a new fishing pole.”
Born in Taiwan, Chung moved to British Columbia during his adolescence and carved out his career as a freelance IT professional. With his fortune, aside from spoiling himself with his desires, Chung also carries deep intent to share this blessing with his family. Although he remained uncertain about “how much” to disperse among his loved ones, he assured everyone that they will definitely get to enjoy this newfound fortune.
However, even after the massive win, the entrepreneurial spirit of Chung remains unperturbed as he expressed the likelihood of purchasing another lottery ticket in the future.
According to the BCLC CEO, Dan Beebe, the Gold Ball Draw guarantees either a $1 million prize or the ever-increasing Gold Ball Jackpot that begins at $10 million, with the gold ball rolling over and snowballing each time it isn’t won. “There’s one chance in thirty that it’s a gold ball. Over time that gold ball creeps up, and when it’s drawn on the guaranteed prize win, you get these big numbers,” Beebe explained.
BCLC has confirmed that Chung is B.C.’s first fortunate soul to win the Gold Ball Jackpot since the game’s launch in September 2022. The Lotto 6/49 drawings are held across the country on Wednesdays and Saturdays, instilling hope in millions with each roll.
