The Bathurst, New Brunswick area witnessed a significant increase in the Chase the Ace game's jackpot, reaching over $7.3 million after a draw conducted on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. This information was captured by Alana Pickrell for CTV Atlantic.
After a 47-week pursuit, the longstanding Chase the Ace event in northern New Brunswick remains unconquered. In the latest draw, held on Tuesday night, participants vied for a staggering $7.3 million jackpot. The chosen individual, Rénald Boudreau, faced the pivotal decision of selecting one card among six, with hopes of unveiling the elusive ace of hearts.
Unfortunately for Boudreau, luck was not on his side, as he revealed the king of spades rather than the coveted ace. Despite missing out on the multimillion-dollar windfall, Boudreau secured a respectable consolation prize exceeding $400,000.
Chase the Ace transcends a mere game of chance; it serves as a means of fundraising for Friends of Healthcare and the local ATV club. Since February 2023, the ace of hearts has remained elusive, fortifying the jackpot against any claimants.
Rene Beaudet, affiliated with Friends of Healthcare and a co-organizer of the event, emphasized its magnitude, asserting, “We’re probably the largest Chase the Ace in Canada at this point.” Remarkably, the consolation prize offered surpasses the jackpot of many other Chase the Ace games.
Despite the requirement for participants to be physically present in New Brunswick for ticket purchases, the allure of the colossal jackpot has drawn individuals from neighboring provinces and even the United States. Notable instances include attendees from Prince Edward Island, Halifax, and Bangor, Maine, all eager to partake in the game.
Local residents in Petit-Rocher displayed heightened enthusiasm as they rushed to secure ticket bundles in anticipation of the 9 p.m. draw. Participants, such as Annie Hachey, envision life-changing possibilities with a jackpot victory, contemplating the prospect of acquiring a home and ensuring financial stability for her family.
Expressions of optimism and commitment were echoed by Stephane Lagace, who asserted, “I’m never going to miss a week until it’s over.” Lagace, like many others, dreams of becoming the fortunate recipient of the elusive ace of hearts.
Chase the Ace has entrenched itself in the region for approximately eight years, captivating the community's interest and fostering a sense of collective anticipation. In the preceding week, Melodie Desjardin of Campbellton experienced the highs and lows of chance, drawing the four of spades. Despite falling short of the ace, Desjardin departed with a consolation prize of $355,527, providing solace amid the absence of the multimillion-dollar jackpot.
While the Tuesday night draw failed to crown a jackpot winner, the Chase the Ace fundraiser will persist into its 48th week, promising an even more substantial jackpot for participants. As the pursuit endures, the allure of the ace of hearts persists, tantalizing participants with the prospect of a life-altering windfall.
