Canadian cancer survivor David Serkin defied astronomical odds by winning four lottery jackpots totaling nearly $3 million, with three of those wins coming in just nine months.
Key Takeaways
- David Serkin, a Canadian cancer survivor from Alberta, won four lottery jackpots totaling nearly $3 million, with three wins occurring in just nine months during 2023.
- His recent windfall includes $1 million in May 2023, $500,000 in August 2023, and another $1 million in November 2023, plus a previous $250,000 win from over a decade ago.
- Despite facing odds as extreme as 1 in 33.3 million for one of his wins, Serkin continues to purchase lottery tickets regularly.
- Rather than extravagant purchases, Serkin plans to use his winnings for travel experiences with his wife, including a trip to Newfoundland.
- The retired winner maintains a grateful perspective on life after surviving cancer, appreciating his extraordinary good fortune.
An Unprecedented Lucky Streak
David Serkin of Alberta has accomplished what many would consider impossible by winning the lottery not once, not twice, but four times in his life. His most recent streak defies all probability – three separate jackpots in just nine months, totaling approximately $2.5 million. These recent wins follow a previous jackpot of $250,000 that he collected more than a decade ago. For the average lottery player who may go a lifetime without a significant win, Serkin’s story represents an almost supernatural level of good fortune that has captivated public attention across Canada and beyond.
The details of Serkin’s recent winning streak are remarkable in their consistency. His first win of the streak came on May 3, 2023, when he claimed $1 million in the Lotto 6/49 drawing. Just over three months later, on August 20, 2023, he won again with a $500,000 prize in the LOTTO MAX drawing – a game with odds estimated at 1 in 33.3 million. Completing his incredible run, Serkin claimed yet another $1 million prize on November 16, 2023, in another Lotto 6/49 drawing. Statistical experts would consider this sequence of events practically impossible, yet Serkin’s experience proves otherwise.
Life as a Lottery Legend
Despite his extraordinary luck, Serkin maintains a remarkably grounded perspective. His history as a cancer survivor has clearly shaped his outlook on both life and his lottery winnings. Rather than extravagant purchases or displays of wealth, Serkin has focused on meaningful experiences – particularly travel with his wife. After one of his previous wins, they enjoyed a vacation in Hawaii. Now, with his latest windfall, the couple is planning a trip to Newfoundland, demonstrating a preference for creating memories rather than accumulating possessions.
“I’m a cancer survivor and I’m retired, so I am just grateful for all of it,” said David Serkin.
Friends and family have reacted with understandable shock to Serkin’s continued good fortune. When he informed people of his third win in less than a year, many found it difficult to believe. Yet Serkin himself maintains a humble attitude about his extraordinary luck. He acknowledges the astronomical odds against his winning streak continuing but enjoys the ritual of purchasing tickets regardless. For him, the lottery represents not just a chance at wealth but a simple pleasure in life – the anticipation and possibility that come with each ticket purchase.
A Longtime Lottery Enthusiast
Serkin’s relationship with Canada’s national lottery dates back to its inception in 1982, making him a dedicated player for over four decades. His approach to playing demonstrates a healthy attitude toward gambling – focusing on the enjoyment rather than expectation of winning. He purchases his tickets at local retailers, including the Shell Lethbridge where he bought one of his recent winning tickets. For Serkin, the process of checking tickets is part of the appeal, regardless of the outcome.
“You check your ticket and if you win, you’re happy, If you don’t, you can always try again,” said David Serkin.
Despite his unprecedented success, Serkin maintains realistic expectations about future wins. He continues to purchase tickets, not out of greed or expectation, but because he genuinely enjoys the ritual and possibility. His story serves as a remarkable reminder that sometimes lightning does strike twice – or in his case, four times. While most lottery players will never experience Serkin’s level of good fortune, his journey from cancer survivor to multiple jackpot winner offers an inspiring tale of perseverance, gratitude, and the unpredictable nature of luck that can sometimes favor the most deserving.
“I took my wife to Hawaii with the last win, and we had a great time. Now, we’re going to Newfoundland,” said David Serkin.
