TORONTO — Nineteen co-workers claiming their share of a contested $50-million jackpot say they’re happy with the outcome of the battle, but the fight isn’t over.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. announced today that two groups fighting over the windfall have agreed to split the prize.
The lottery corporation is paying out $31.7 million to the 19 Bell employees — the original winners who validated their New Year’s Eve ticket in January.
The additional 11 claimants — who came forward after the prize was claimed — will have to wait for a court to decide if they’re entitled to any cash.
The court will distribute the remaining $18.3 million accordingly.
When asked about the split payout, Natalie Damianidis, the pool organizer, said they’re happy with the outcome, so far.
Each of them will pocket around $1.6 million.
Their lawyer says it’s “noteworthy” that only the 19 have been paid, adding he expects his clients will split the remaining 11 shares of the prize, eventually.
The lottery corporation says filling out group play forms and following proper guidelines can eliminate delays when playing in an office pool.