TRURO – He likely sold the winning ticket but even Liam Vance was in the dark as to who the area's new multi-millionaires were until they cashed in their prize.
"It was definitely unexpected, that's for sure," the owner of Lottoland in the Truro Mall chuckled Thursday afternoon.
"I learned Wednesday morning (that his lottery booth had sold last week's winning 6-49 ticket worth $11.2 million). I knew somebody was on their way to claim it but I didn't know who it was or anything."
As the retailer from where the winning ticket was purchased, Vance is eligible for a one-per cent seller's prize, which in this case amounts to $112,552.72.
"It's definitely a chunk of money that I never had before," he said, adding that a portion of the commission will be shared with the kiosk's two employees while the remainder will be used to help pay off the business and for recent renovations to another location in New Glasgow. He is also planning a party for his employees in the near future.
And while Vance isn't 100 per cent certain it was he who actually sold the winning ticket to Lower Truro residents Allen and Violet Large, he does know the couple and believes he was working the day they purchased the lucky chit.
"I'd like to congratulate the winners ," Vance said. "They definitely have been very regular customers. I'm glad to see that they came across this finally."
Vance purchased the Lottoland business two years ago and this is the first major prize to come out of there since he took over.
