Barrie man celebrates first big lottery win after 30 years of playing

Larry Rose, of Barrie, Ont., matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the Feb. 11, 2025, Daily Keno Evening draw to win $100,000. (OLG)

Barrie man Larry Rose is making plans with the $100,000 prize he won after matching six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the Feb. 11 Daily Keno Evening draw.

The machinist has been playing the lottery for more than 30 years, and said this is his first big win. He discovered his luck while checking his lottery tickets at the store.

"As I scanned the last one, I jumped and gasped for air as I saw it was a big winner," Rose recalled. "The clerk and I stood there in shock. When OLG called me, I was so excited. It was just a regular day, but oh boy, did that day turn around."

Fresh off his win, Rose shared the news with his sons. "They were so excited but had a hard time believing me at first."

The Barrie man, who is a grandfather and great-grandfather, said he always had a feeling he would someday win the lottery. "I think my smile that day was the biggest it’s ever been in my 66 years."

Rose plans to invest for his retirement and share some of his windfall with his children. "It’s such an exhilarating feeling and truly makes life a whole lot easier."