Vancouver resident Phuc Duc (Daniel) Chau likes to buy lottery tickets based on a gut feeling.
And in May, he decided to buy one while stopping at a Burnaby convenience store to quench a sparkling-water craving.
He ended up winning $40 million with that gut feeling.
Chau was announced as the winner of the May 23, 2025 draw on Thursday (June 19).
鈥淚 was at work when I found out,鈥� Chau said in a news release from BCLC. 鈥淚 was going through my bag to find a cough drop, but I saw that I had two lottery tickets in my bag and decided to scan the tickets, but I needed to update the [BCLC Lotto!] app first. The first ticket I didn鈥檛 win anything, but the second said $40 million. I have never seen that many zeroes in my life, ever. I dropped my phone and then called BCLC right away!鈥�
At the time of claiming the prize, Chau said he hadn't yet shared the news of his win.
鈥淢y partner doesn鈥檛 know yet! I want to share the news with them in a special way.鈥�
Chau said his dream has always been to travel the world and there are so many places he wants to see. He also hasn't decided if he plans to quit his job, but he wants to continue to support his community in a different way.
"It opens up an opportunity for me to give back to my family, community and the world all around me. It鈥檚 not meaningful unless you can share this with those who need it.鈥�
Chau purchased his winning ticket at the 7-Eleven on Imperial Street and Boundary Road in Burnaby.