What is the term for a “lottery winner” in western Canada? The answer is David Serkin, an Alberta cancer survivor who won three separate lottery jackpots between August and May, amassing approximately $2.5 million in prize money.
Officials report that these fortunate lottery tickets mark the second, third, and fourth times Serkin has won a lottery in his lifetime. This achievement, with infinitesimally small odds, has caught the attention of internet communities that feature heartwarming news stories.
“I know the odds are astronomical, and I don’t think it’ll happen again,” Serkin stated in a recent press bulletin from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). “But I still like buying tickets.”
Serkin’s winnings came from lotteries on 20 August ($500,000), 16 November ($1 million), and 3 May ($1 million), the last purchased at a gas station in his hometown of Lethbridge. The WCLC’s statement noted his 1 in about 33.3 million chance of winning the first jackpot.
NOW Toronto reported that more than a decade before his recent streak, Serkin won a previous lottery of $250,000.
His lottery success appears to stem from consistent play; he has been participating in lotteries since 1982. Serkin enjoys the act of buying tickets and checking them.
“You check your ticket and if you win – you’re happy,” Serkin said. “If you don’t, you can always try again.”
“I’m a cancer survivor and I’m retired, so I am just grateful for all of it.”
Serkin explained that he bought the latest winning ticket on impulse while purchasing gas, contemplating, “What do I have to lose?”
Upon informing his friends he had won the lottery again, their response was an incredulous, “not again?!”
When expressing his disbelief to officials, Serkin mentioned that his wife, following the precedent of their previous win, would likely be enjoying a memorable vacation in Newfoundland.
“With the last win, I took my wife to Hawaii, and we enjoyed it immensely,” Serkin said. “This time, we’re heading to Newfoundland.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/11/canada-lottery-winner-four-jackpots
