🎰 Background: CA$5 Million Lottery Dispute

• Plaintiff: Lawrence Campbell, of Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Defendant: Krystal McKay, his ex-girlfriend

• Other defendants: Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) and Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries

💸 Key Events Timeline

• January 20, 2024: Campbell wins the CA$5 million jackpot.

• Problem: Campbell lacks a government-issued ID and bank account, required to claim the prize.

• Alleged Advice: WCLC reportedly advises Campbell to let someone else claim the ticket on his behalf.

• Campbell’s Decision: He entrusts the ticket to McKay, his then-girlfriend.

• January 30, 2024: McKay publicly claims the prize.

  • Lottery states she received the ticket as a birthday gift – a claim Campbell now disputes.

• Soon After: McKay cuts off contact with Campbell — reportedly “ghosting” him — and he finds her with a new partner.

⚖️ Lawsuit Details

• Filed: May 23, 2025

• Campbell’s Claims:

  • He was misled by the lottery agencies.

  • He never gifted the ticket — it was always his, and McKay only claimed it on his behalf.

  • McKay abused his trust and misappropriated the winnings.

• Legal Goals:

  • Full restitution of the CA$5 million

  • Injunction to prevent McKay from spending any of the funds

• McKay’s Actions:

  • Filed a restraining order against Campbell, suggesting the situation may have escalated personally.

🧠 The Legal and Emotional Complexity

• The case hinges on:

  • Who truly owned the ticket — was it a gift or a delegated claim?

  • Whether the lottery corporation’s advice caused the mishandling of ownership.

  • Verbal agreements vs. legal documentation — which party can prove intent and ownership.

• Campbell’s legal rep, Chad Panting, admits the story may sound bizarre:

  “Some of this sounds incredulous, but it’s the truth all the same.”

📌 What’s Next

• If Campbell proves he was the true owner and McKay was merely acting as a proxy, he could be entitled to the entire $5 million.

• The court will also examine WCLC’s role and whether their alleged advice opens them to liability.

• If McKay can prove the ticket was a true gift, the money is legally hers.

🧾 Takeaway

This isn’t just a case about lottery winnings — it’s a cautionary tale about trust, legal documentation, and financial boundaries in relationships. If nothing else, it highlights the importance of formalizing large transactions — even (and especially) with people you love.