The 19 Bell Canada call-centre workers who won the $50 million Lotto Max jackpot draw — the largest single-ticket win ever in Ontario — are still waiting for their money. It has been almost two weeks after they thought they were millionaires as the group’s celebrations were put on hold when several people came forward saying they too deserve a cut of the prize.

An investigation was called and OLG investigators have interviewed the original 19 claimants, and are now looking into the additional claims on the prize. Past events, proved that such an investigation can take years to resolve. In the meantime, all employees continue to work at the call-centre, both original 19 and their colleagues that claimed they were part of the deal. This can create great impact on the department with rising resentment, distrust and frustration quality of work can be impaired.

Update - Feb 15, 2011 - The prize has been divided into equal shares to accomodate all potential claimants.  The first confirmed 19 winners have been awarded this reduced share.  The remaining winnings will be distributed either to the original 19 winners as a top-up, or to the challengers as their share, depending on the outcome of a court case.