'I was excited as hell': Martin House on winning $5M Lotto 6/49

Corner Brook businessman Martin House has been revealed as the big winner of the $5-million Lotto 6/49 prize, two weeks after the winning numbers were drawn.

House, who owns Hotel Corner Brook and sold the Mamateek Inn last October, picked up his cheque in Moncton, N.B. on Friday afternoon.

"I was excited as hell," said House, describing how he felt when he checked his numbers.

• $5M Lotto 6/49 winning ticket bought in Corner Brook

House said he checked the winning numbers three times the day after they were drawn, to make sure he was the winner.

"I called the lady where I bought the tickets, I called the store and I asked her," House said.

"I said, 'Cass, do a print out and call the numbers back.'"

House's ticket, which he got on a free play from a previous ticket, was the only winner in the draw.

He said he's going to use the millions on his two children, friends and family, and might even purchase a motorhome to go travelling.

Changed his number before claiming prize

Before coming forward to accept the money House said he changed his phone number, and didn't tell anyone outside of his family while he "got his ducks in a row."

Now $5-million richer, House said he'll continue to buy lottery tickets.

"I spent at least $100 a week," House told reporters, following the cheque presentation. "I bought tickets there yesterday and I'm gonna buy some more today before I leave."

House said the most he ever won before this jackpot was $260.

Meanwhile, a separate cheque presentation took place at Valley Variety in Corner Brook, where the winning ticket was purchased.

The seller's prize is one per cent — $50,000.

House won on the Feb. 21 Lotto 6/49 draw.