A bitter dispute over a CAD$ 50 million Canada Lotto Max prize was resolved yesterday on the fourth day of a civil trial.
The trouble began in January 2011 when lottery syndicate-founding member, Christopher Bates, returned from a vacation and was not allowed to be part of winning pool.
Although Bates founded the work syndicate he later relinquished control to a fellow worker at the Bombardier aircraft plant at Downsview, Ontario, but he remained a regular player.
During the trial, which started on Monday, September 29, 2014, the angry aircraft mechanic testified he returned from his vacation and discovered his name wasn't on the lottery pool list for the January 21, 2011, Lotto Max draw that had won five free tickets.
Bates said he spoke to syndicate leader, Sherif Morsi, and asked: "Why didn’t you put in for me?"
Morsi told him he had not done so because another player still owed him money and Morsi refused to allow Bates to join the pool for January 28 drawing.
Bates answer was: "Okay, if you guys win the lottery, I’m going to sue. My lawyer is going to contact your lawyer."
The syndicate then won the Jackpot and Bates was left with no other option than to follow through on his threat.
The trial has been a long time coming, but a settlement has now been reached for an undisclosed amount.
Bates' legal representative, Michael Cochrane, refused to comment on the settlement terms.
