WINNIPEG, MB – A man from Winnipeg is suing his ex-girlfriend for allegedly running off with a $3.6 million lottery jackpot they won together, accusing her of betrayal and fraud after she claimed the prize and cut off all contact.
Lawrence Campbell filed a lawsuit in May against his former partner Krystal Ann McKay, as well as the Western Canada Lottery Corporation and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, alleging mishandling of the winning ticket and wrongful advice that enabled McKay to walk away with the jackpot.
A Relationship, a Winning Ticket—and a Disappearing Act
According to court filings:
- Campbell purchased the Lotto 6/49 ticket on January 19, 2024, while in a “loyal, committed and promising” relationship with McKay
- He gave McKay the ticket for safekeeping because he had lost his wallet
- After finding the ticket days later at a friend’s house, he scanned it and discovered the multi-million-dollar win
- The couple celebrated together and filmed a video at a Shoppers Drug Mart confirming the $5 million CAD win (roughly $3.6 million USD)
- Because Campbell lacked a valid government-issued ID and bank account, lottery officials allegedly advised them to have McKay collect the winnings
What Went Wrong After the Win
The lawsuit claims:
- McKay accepted the prize at a January 30 news conference, claiming the ticket was a birthday gift from Campbell
- She deposited the winnings into her personal account
- Days later, she disappeared, cutting off contact with Campbell
- Campbell allegedly found her in bed with another man at a party and was told she was ending the relationship
- McKay then blocked his calls, shut down communication, and took out a protection order against him
Key Legal Claims and Disputes
Campbell accuses:
- McKay of fraud and deception by claiming sole ownership of the joint ticket
- The lottery corporations of giving bad advice and failing to warn about the legal risks of allowing someone else to claim the prize
McKay’s attorney, Conor Williamson, denied wrongdoing:
“Ms. McKay disputes the allegations made against her in the Statement of Claim and will be filing a Statement of Defence,” Williamson told The Independent.
What’s Next for the Case?
The legal battle could hinge on:
- Proving the ticket was jointly owned
- Whether the lottery corporation gave improper or negligent advice
- Texts, videos, or testimony establishing the couple’s intent to share the winnings
No court date has been set as of yet, and criminal charges have not been filed.
Have You Ever Split a Lottery Ticket With Someone?
Would you trust your partner to claim a winning ticket on your behalf? Share your thoughts or similar experiences in the comments.
