ATLANTIC WINS

PlayWise Pass win helps N.S. woman kick off new era in summer 2025

Ever dream of spending the summer travelling across Atlantic Canada, hitting all the biggest and best festivals and events along the way? Well, that is exactly what Anita Burke of Sydney, N.S. is going to do after winning the first ever PlayWise Pass thanks to testing her knowledge of healthy play.

“I’m feeling extremely excited, and extremely grateful. Blessed really,” Burke said. “Things like this don’t really happen to me.”

The win couldn’t have come at a better time, according to Burke, who recently recovered from cancer. Now, the Cape Bretoner is eager to live life to the fullest with her friends and family while experiencing the ultimate Atlantic Canadian summer.

“The last two years have been really tough, because I haven’t been able to do what I want to because of my illness,” Burke said. “But now I’m coming back with a bang and it’s going to be a really good time.”

The PlayWise Pass includes two VIP tickets to the following Atlantic Lottery sponsored events:

  • NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Series in Avondale, N.L.
  • Cavendish Beach Music Festival in Cavendish, P.E.I.
  • Area 506 Festival in Saint John, N.B.
  • Sommo Festival in Cavendish, P.E.I.
  • Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton, N.B.

Not only does the PlayWise Pass prize package include two VIP passes to each of these five incredible events, but accommodations and a travel voucher for $8,000 too.

The contest, which gave bonus entries for answering questions related to gambling myths and facts to help players understand the odds of winning, was easily relatable for Burke, who recognizes the importance of setting limits when gambling.

“I only buy lottery tickets once or twice a month and I always set my limit if I’m playing online,” Burke said. “Like anything else, it’s good in moderation as long as it’s not a habit. It’s for fun.”

Speaking of fun, Burke will be having lots of it this summer at the various events included in the PlayWise Pass win, but she’s particularly excited for Cavendish Beach Music Festival to see of the Queen of Country Pop herself, Shania Twain.

“As soon as I told my sister I won passes to see Shania Twain at Cavendish Beach Music Festival, she was like, ‘That’s it, I’m coming with you!” Burke said. “We tried to get tickets to see her before when she was close by and couldn’t get them, so this is really exciting.”

Burke, who is retired, plans to make the very most of her prize package, and has a number of friends and family who are planning to travel with her to each and every event this summer.

“I can’t even express how happy I am,” Burke said. “I will finally feel like I’m living again with this prize, getting back out there and starting a new era.”

Healthy Play is a core value at Atlantic Lottery, and that’s why we are always working to educate our players on the facts and tools available to help keep their play for fun and entertainment. Players who have a wager limit or session limit set on alc.ca between now and February 28, 2025 will be entered to win a $5,000 travel voucher, so they will also have a chance to win a dream vacation. Learn more on alc.ca.