RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Sept. 29, 2010) – A 47-year-old Maple Ridge man who had fallen on hard times says he can breathe easier now.

Richard Batitis matched 6/6 numbers on the September 15, 2010 draw to earn the $6.5 Million jackpot.

“I was laid off last year from my job of fifteen years,” said Batitis, who worked for a manufacturing company in Surrey. “I’ve been living with wife and four kids in my in-law’s basement. We’ve been struggling to get by, so it’s nice not to have to worry anymore. Now I can give them their dream home with a swimming pool for the kids.”

Batitis, who purchased his lucky ticket at the Mac’s convenience store on Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge, had a feeling his luck was about to turn.

“I opened a fortune cookie the other day that said ‘You will go through a big life change’,” he said. “I always play the lottery using my father’s lucky numbers. He passed away in 1997, so I feel that my dad has sent me this blessing.”

Lotto 6/49 is the nationwide lottery game drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 6 p.m. (PST). Players can purchase tickets at any lottery retailer or at PlayNow.com.

BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation that offers socially responsible gaming entertainment while generating income that benefits all British Columbians.

To view the photo of Richard Batitis accompanying this release, please click here: https://www.travelxl.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/4a69d332baatitis.jpg.jpg