Ukrainian refugee wins Belgian national lottery

A young Ukrainian refugee has won €500,000 from a Belgian lottery scratchcard.

The National Lottery does not usually give the identities of lottery winners, but this time it confirmed that the winner was an Ukrainian man aged between 18 and 24 who has been living in the Brussels region for a year.

He bought the winning scratchcard for €5 in a service station.

“With the money he has won, he wants above all to do something for his compatriots and the reconstruction of his country,” the National Lottery said.

“But first, he wants to organise a party here in Belgium for the family and friends who have looked after him and helped him integrate into our country.”

The first three months of 2023 have seen 11 people in Belgium become millionaires with wins of as much as €44,966,361, as more promotions have been launched to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Lotto draw, which requires six winning figures.