Raymond De Ridder shows off his prize from a recent win on a POOLS card he bought in Chatham. (Photo courtesy of OLG)Raymond De Ridder shows off his prize from a recent win on a POOLS card he bought in Chatham. (Photo courtesy of OLG)
Chatham

Football Picks Lead To $500K Payday

A 33-year-old school teacher from Chatham is $500,000 richer thanks to some savvy football picks.

Raymond De Ridder told OLG officials he chose the underdog for the Monday game on a recent POOLS card and when the team he picked ended up winning, he could barely sleep that night while he was waiting to find out his share of the pool.

"When I found out how much I won I called my girlfriend right away and told her," says De Ridder. "She was ecstatic!"

De Ridder ended up winning $514,314 on the Football Pool Card #45 (List #1209). He says he's still in disbelief.

"It’s so exciting – a game changer for me. I can pay off my bills and make life easier," says De Ridder. "I am looking forward to the journey ahead.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Piggy Mart on McNaughton Ave. in Chatham.

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