The lottery body has posted a warning on its web site urging people to 'play responsibly'.

Among other things, it warns them against spending more money than they can afford, borrowing money to buy tickets, neglecting family and owning money to family, friends and credit cards.

Rui Brum from the lottery body told the local media that 'any flags that are raised are immediately forwarded to the Ontario Provincial Police Bureau attached to the AGCO (the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) for further investigation'.

A press release by the lottery body quoted Shell as saying, 'I went to the store and checked my ticket on the self-serve ticket checker.

'As soon as I saw how much I had won, I grabbed a pen and signed my ticket.'

The next moment he was in handcuffs.