TORONTO - A convenience store clerk in Pembroke, Ont., has claimed a $1-million prize in a Payday Encore lottery draw from May 15.

Because Lorie Paul McLaughlin is a clerk at the store where lottery products are sold, the prize falls within the definition of an Insider Win.

That made the claim subject to an independent investigation, which has been completed and the claim has been approved for payment.

The policy, which stems from an unusual number of so-called insider wins, requires such payouts to be withheld for 30 days to allow anyone with concerns to come forward.

McLaughlin's prize will be paid to the claimant on Oct. 10 following the 30-day wait period.

McLaughlin says she plans on taking a holiday and investing the rest of the prize money.