Salmon Arm resident wins $500K playing Lotto Max in memory of his dog

Salmon Arm resident Neil Piper is $500,000 richer, after winning the March 24 Lotto Max draw.

This is the second time he has won the lottery, claiming $100,000 a few years ago. Piper attributes his string of good fortune to his beloved dog Max.

“I like playing Lotto Max because my dog's name was Max, so this helps me remember him,” Piper said in a press release. He said he bases his number choices on Max, and continued to play in his memory.

Piper purchased the winning ticket at the Salmon Arm Chevron, and discovered that he'd won once he arrived home.

“I put the ticket away and went to work like nothing had happened. I wasn't sure what to think of it, so it was nice to have some time to think about it," Piper said.

Piper's father and coworker were the first to hear the news. In disbelief that he had won for a second time, Piper scanned the ticket once more on the BCLC Lotto App just to be sure.

His first big purchase will be a house, Piper said.

“It feels great. I get to buy the house of my dreams. It is a strange feeling! I enjoyed seeing all those zeros pop up on my phone!”

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