No winner, but $46K consolation awarded as chase the ace continues in McIvers
Lynne Wheeler took home consolation prize, as jackpot remains unclaimed
The ace of spades didn't turn up in McIvers, in western Newfoundland, Sunday night, but thousands of people hoping to get a shot at the jackpot did.
The latest total on the jackpot was up to $389,323.
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Favourable odds
Lynne Wheeler, of Corner Brook, only started playing chase the ace three weeks ago, when her sister-in-law told her about the growing jackpot in McIvers.
Sunday night, she had the winning ticket and the chance to pick the ace of spades.
With just five cards remaining, the odds were good — but not good enough.
Wheeler drew the two of hearts instead, which won her the consolation prize of $46,302 — something she's not complaining about.
"I'm just feeling ecstatic, I'm feeling so grateful. I'm shaking like a leaf. I'm just … speechless," she said.
"It's life changing — it's only $46,000 compared to the jackpot, but it just feels wonderful to win something, too."
Wheeler has two sons about to go to university and figures the money will help them with their studies.
She also plans to treat her friends to dinner.
Organizers playing the odds
With just four cards remaining for next Sunday's draw, organizers can't believe the odds have gone on their way.
Sterling Lawrence said it takes a full week of planning, which wouldn't be possible without the help of people in the community.
"You've got to have probably 200,000 tickets ready — in books of seven," said Lawrence.
"It takes the whole town — tickets are all over town, people are putting them together."
Lawrence expects the jackpot for the following Sunday to be more than $400,000.