The unusual and certainly unlucky incident happened way back in 2008, but it sparked a saga that only reached its conclusion today.
Joel Ifergan, from Quebec, Canada, purchased two Super 7 lottery tickets back in May 2008. He happened to make this purchase right on the scheduled 9pm cut-off time.
What happened next is nothing short of amazingly unfortunate; the first ticket was stamped with the date May 23, the night’s draw. While that purchase was being processed, the clock passed 9pm. The second ticket was printed seven seconds later, and stamped with the following week’s draw date. As luck would have it, this second ticket contained the winning numbers for the May 23 draw.
When he learned of his incredible misfortune, he sued Quebec’s lottery operator for half of the $27m jackpot, as there had been another winner that night.
Mr. Ifergan’s Supreme Court appeal was turned down today, thus ending a seven year battle over a seven second delay that cost him dearly.