A Winnipeg man’s $5 million lottery win has turned into a legal saga after his former partner claimed the winnings and allegedly cut off all contact.
The case, now before Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench, offers a stark lesson about the financial risks of informal arrangements in personal relationships.
Lawrence Campbell alleges he purchased the Lotto 6/49 ticket on January 19, 2024, and gave it to his then-girlfriend, Krystal McKay, to hold because he had lost his wallet. When they realized the ticket was a winner, Campbell says McKay deposited the entire prize into her own bank account and later ghosted him, according to a statement of claim filed May 14.
McKay claimed the jackpot and was named the sole winner in a January 30 press release issued by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) and Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. The release stated she had received the ticket as a birthday gift.
Campbell denies this and is now suing McKay, WCLC and the provincial lottery authority, alleging breach of trust and negligent advice that allowed McKay to keep the funds.
None of the allegations have been tested in court. The defendants have not yet filed a statement of defence.
Lack of paper trail leaves $5M lottery claim in legal limbo
The legal dispute revolves around Campbell’s claim that McKay agreed to hold the winnings in trust until he obtained government-issued ID and opened a bank account. The lack of any written agreement has complicated his efforts to recover the money.
Campbell’s lawsuit also claims McKay used their relationship breakdown as a way to sever communication and retain sole control over the funds.
A court motion filed last week seeks to freeze McKay’s assets, including property, investments and vehicles, while the case proceeds.
Legal experts: cohabiting couples face risks without documentation
Financial and legal experts frequently warn that cohabiting couples in Canada don’t enjoy the same automatic property rights as married spouses. Provincial laws differ, but in most provinces, unmarried partners must prove direct financial contributions to claim shared ownership of assets after a breakup.
In Ontario, for example, the Family Law Act does not grant equal property division to common-law spouses. Similar limitations apply in Manitoba, although couples who live together for more than three years (or have a child and live together for one year) may fall under provincial common-law rules.
According to CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario), individuals in common-law relationships should document financial contributions and create written agreements to clarify how property will be divided if the relationship ends. These agreements, often called cohabitation agreements, can help prevent disputes like Campbell’s.
Lottery corporations stress ticket ownership rules
According to WCLC guidelines, lottery prizes are awarded to the individual whose name is on the ticket. If a group plays together, all members should sign a group play form to establish joint ownership.
In this case, McKay was the only person named when the ticket was submitted, and she provided the necessary identification. Campbell alleges he was misled by WCLC staff into allowing McKay to claim the prize on his behalf, a claim that forms part of his lawsuit.
How to protect your finances in love and law
The legal and emotional fallout from this story offers several takeaways for Canadians:
- Don’t rely on verbal agreements. For any significant financial matter — whether it’s lottery winnings, home ownership or large joint purchases — get it in writing.
- Know the law in your province. Common-law property rights vary widely. In many cases, shared assets are not automatically divided without clear proof of contribution.
- Take steps to protect windfalls. Whether it’s lottery winnings or inheritance, speak with a lawyer or financial advisor to establish who owns what and how it should be handled.
A cautionary tale about trust, relationships and money
Campbell’s story may be unique in its drama, but the financial implications are all too common. As Canadians increasingly live together without marrying, this case is a reminder that trust alone may not be enough, especially when millions are at stake.
Sources
1. CLEO: Community Legal Education Ontario
2. WCLC.com: FAQ Group Play
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
