N.B. man wins lottery twice

Lightning has struck twice in New Brunswick.

For the second time in 12 years, Jim Slate won a lottery prize of $1 million.

According to a news release from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, a Shediac Cape man won $1 million in the July 12 Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball draw.

He won the same amount in 2011 playing a Scratch ‘N Win ticket.

After that win, Slate said there was “no chance” he expected to win the jackpot again.

Fast forward a little over a decade and he’s a big winner again, but with a twist.

Slate shared his new victory with his friend, Bill Eisner of Moncton.

The couple have been friends for decades and shared their tickets for about two years.

“He wins more often than I do,” Eisener said.

After realizing he won again, Slate’s wife made sure she called Eisner right away.

“We were shocked by Bill when we called him,” Slate said.

Eisner was surprised to receive a call that early in the morning.

“My wife was upset, it scared me until reality set in,” Eisner said.

Slate and Eisner’s winning ticket was purchased at Wilson’s in Shediac.

The retailer claims a percentage of the seller’s premium.

Eisner said he hasn’t quite won the $500,000, but the retired man plans to buy a new truck.

As for Slate, he wants to get a travel trailer and explore the west coast.

“I haven’t been across the country. I’ve been to Edmonton and BC, but not across the country.”

He hopes to tour the United States before returning home.

“It’s just nice to know it’s in the future, because there’s a home improvement,” Slate said.

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