TORONTO, ON – Saying “yes” to ENCORE paid off for Nancy Lynch of Toronto. She matched all seven ENCORE numbers in exact order in the April 18, 2025 LOTTO MAX draw to win $1 million!

Nancy, a benefits consultant, has been playing the lottery with OLG for 20 years. She picks up her LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49 tickets when the jackpots are high, using OLG’s Quick Pick feature to select her numbers. For the past year, Nancy has been adding ENCORE to every ticket — a decision that paid off in a big way. Now, she’s celebrating her first big win and the thrill of becoming a millionaire!

“I got an email from OLG telling me I’d won big, but I wasn’t sure what a ‘big’ prize meant,” Nancy recalled, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her winnings. “When I checked my ticket and discovered I’d won $1 million, I was stunned. I thought to myself, ‘How can this be?’ In disbelief, I counted the zeroes over and over again.”

Nancy shared the remarkable news with a few close friends. “At first, no one believed it,” she said. “When they realized it was real, they were so happy for me.”

Reflecting on the unforgettable experience, Nancy said, “I’m still in shock and it doesn’t feel real! Becoming a millionaire overnight is not bad,” she said with a laugh. “I think my experience will give others hope that real people actually win.”

With her windfall, Nancy is off to explore the charm of England and Ireland. She also plans to save and invest for her future.

ENCORE offers 22 ways to win and can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for an extra $1. There are two ENCORE draws every day.

The winning ticket was purchased on OLG.ca.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

Toronto, ON – Mohit Sharma of Etobicoke has long been enamoured with the world’s most famous and luxurious trains, dreaming of one day embarking on global adventures aboard them. Now, as Ontario’s newest multi-millionaire, his dreams of riding the rails will soon become a reality! Mohit won the $65 million jackpot from the LOTTO MAX draw on October 15, 2024.   

During his OLG Winner’s Celebration in Toronto, Mohit explained that he started buying lottery tickets in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving himself a weekly routine to look forward to during the lockdowns. He set a budget for himself and purchased LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49 tickets with ENCORE each week. He always asked the retailer for Quick Pick numbers, and now, looking back on that decision, he finds it incredible that he won a $65 million jackpot. “I don’t pick the numbers, so, knowing that a random number that the lottery computer picked for me the winner — and my name was on that ticket — is just unbelievable!”

Mohit, who works as a consultant, likes to check his lottery tickets soon after the draw and says he’ll never forget that day he checked his LOTTO MAX ticket worth $65 million. “I heard on the news that the winning ticket was sold in Etobicoke. I had a couple of tickets in a drawer, so I set up the tickets on the table and started scanning them using the OLG app. The first ticket I scanned was the winner! I couldn’t believe it and my heart started pounding. My phone screen lit up as the words ‘Big Winner’ flashed across the screen I thought to myself, ‘I guess that person I heard about on the news was me!’”

Mohit was in the middle of cooking when he discovered he’d won the jackpot. In the intensity of the moment, he says he doesn’t know how he had the clarity to turn off the stove before a fire started in his kitchen! 

Still stunned by his new reality, Mohit decided to go for a walk to clear his head. When he returned home, he scanned the ticket again, just to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Then he began researching how to claim his prize and reading about other big lottery winners.

Next came the question of how to share the news. Mohit wanted to tell his family immediately, but they were travelling at the time. Not wanting to cause any anxiety or cut their trips short, he decided to wait until they were all back together in person. He patiently waited and continued doing his ‘homework’ about his new windfall.

When the time finally came, Mohit gathered his family together for the big reveal. “To say they were shocked is an understatement,” he said. “I had to pinch a couple of them to prove it was real. It was an emotional moment with lots of trembling hands and elevated heart rates all around.” 

Now that the incredible news was out, the family wanted to celebrate with champagne. When they looked around, all they had was a mismatched collection of glasses. This occasion, they agreed was special enough to be done just right. “It was later in the evening when I shared the news with them,” Mohit recalled with a smile. “When we decided we needed proper champagne glasses to toast the great news, the only place still open was Walmart. So, we ran over to buy champagne glasses, and raised a glass to my good fortune. We finished the bottle together that night,” he laughed.

Mohit is confident that he’s assembled a strong team of professionals to help guide him and manage his newfound wealth wisely. First and foremost, his dream of taking care of his immediate family has come true. “The best part of winning the lottery is that me and my family are financially free. We don’t have to plan or save for holidays or vacations. If I want to travel now, I can. If I want to buy something, I can.” 

Mohit is also exploring how best to give back to his community and support various causes close to his heart.

When asked about what’s on his bucket list, he expressed that he loves to read and learn, and is considering going back to school for another degree or diploma. As for rest and relaxation, he vows to tour the globe as a passenger on some of the world’s most iconic trains.

“I have dreamt of travelling on these luxurious and exotic trains. I want to go to Japan to experience one of the world’s fastest trains The Shinkansen. I also want to travel on The Indian Pacific that goes from Sydney to Perth, Australia. The famous Orient Express is another on the top of my list, too. I’m excited to see more of Canada when I hop on The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver. In addition, I want to ride The Caledonia Sleeper, which crisscrosses the United Kingdom. This is what will excite me the most!”   

Despite all the dreams he can now fulfill, Mohit said there’s one thing that has kept him smiling since he realized he won. “The happiness I’m sharing with my family is the best part of this win!” he concluded.

Mohit purchased his winning LOTTO MAX ticket at Lakeshore Mini Mart on Lakeshore Boulevard West in Etobicoke.  

LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $9 billion since 2009, including 115 jackpot wins and 943 MAXMILLIONS prizes, right across the province. LOTTO MAX is $5 per play and draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Important to know – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario, so when you play LOTTO MAX, you are playing for Ontario.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

TORONTO, ON – Walter Kondur of Tiny is celebrating after winning a $2 million top prize in the ONTARIO 49 draw on April 23, 2025.

Walter, a proud father of two, grandfather of three, and great-grandfather of two, has been playing the lottery with OLG for decades. He enjoys playing ONTARIO 49, DAILY KENO, LOTTO 6/49, and INSTANT tickets. The retiree plays ONTARIO 49 as part of his weekly routine and is now delighted to be celebrating his first big win!

“I always play with my own numbers,” he shared, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings. “The winning combination included one of my grandkids’ birthdays!”

Walter recounted the moment he discovered his incredible windfall. “It was Thursday morning, and I was checking the winning numbers on my phone when I realized my ticket matched. I showed my phone to my son, and he thought I’d won a Free Play,” Walter said with a chuckle. “I told him to take another look. When he saw that I’d won the top prize, he was shocked! At first, he didn’t believe it, but once it sank in, he was absolutely thrilled.”

When asked how it feels to win the lottery, Walter smiled and said, “It’s very exciting! What comes to mind right away is how much good you can do with the money. I look forward to helping my kids.”

In addition to sharing with his children, Walter plans to purchase a new house, a truck, and a boat.

ONTARIO 49 is $1 per play and the draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday. Combination Play is available in five-, seven-, eight- and nine-number selections. Tickets are sold until 10:30 p.m. Visit the ONTARIO 49 page on OLG.ca for more information.

The winning ticket was purchased at Ultramar/On the Run on Country Road 93 in Midland.  

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

TORONTO, ON – Sidony Pierre of Orléans is $250,000 richer after winning a top prize with INSTANT GOLDEN MULTIPLIER (Game #2449).

Sidony, 53, has been a loyal lottery player with OLG for the past eight years. He exclusively plays INSTANT tickets, which have become a regular part of his daily routine. “This ticket looked nice and was new to me, so I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’” he said. Now, the married father of one is ecstatic to be celebrating his first big win!

“I took my ticket home and played it from the comfort of my sofa,” Sidony recounted, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings. “When I uncovered a big win, I started screaming, ‘I won! I won! I won!’ Then I jumped up and did a happy dance. The thrill was so overwhelming that I just couldn’t stop!”

Sidony immediately shared the exhilarating news with his wife and daughter. “We all shouted with excitement and danced together,” he smiled. “The vibes in the room were insane!”

When asked how it feels to win the lottery, Sidony said, “It feels like pure joy. My hands are still shaking!”

While he hasn’t made any big decisions yet, he plans to pay some bills and save for the future.

“I feel so grateful and blessed,” Sidony beamed. “This has been a truly incredible, out-of-this-world experience.”

INSTANT GOLDEN MULTIPLER is available for $10 a play and the top prize is $250,000. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.40. Visit the INSTANT page on OLG.ca for more information on this and other great games.

The winning ticket was purchased at Pioneer on St Joseph Boulevard in Ottawa.  

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

Toronto, ON – BINGO! Michele Mundo of Hamilton won a $250,000 top prize with INSTANT BINGO MULTIPLIER (Game #3085).

INSTANT BINGO MULTIPLIER is available for $10 a play and the top prize is $250,000. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.59. Visit the INSTANT page on OLG.ca for more information on this and other great games.

The winning ticket was purchased at Fortinos on Centennial Parkway North in Hamilton.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

TORONTO, ON – Saying “yes” to ENCORE paid off for Pane Tan of Toronto. He matched all seven ENCORE numbers in exact order in the April 18, 2025 PICK-4 draw to win $1 million!

Pane, a landscaper, has been playing the lottery with OLG for 30 years. He enjoys a variety of games, including PICK-4, PICK-3, and POKER LOTTO, with PICK-4 being part of his daily routine. Pane chooses his own numbers and adds ENCORE to all his tickets. This dedication has now paid off, as the father of three and grandfather of two is celebrating his first big win!

“I stopped by the store on a Saturday to check my ticket,” Pane recounted, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his windfall. “When I scanned it and saw the prize amount on the screen, I was so shocked and happy. Being a winner is a very exciting feeling.”

Pane returned home, only to find that there was another pleasant surprise waiting for him. “I was stunned again because my family had organized a surprise birthday party for me. I had two unforgettable moments that day!”

After the party, Pane told his son about his winning ticket. “He was amazed and delighted. Later on, I shared the news with some other family members as well. Everyone was just thrilled for me!”

Pane plans to share his winnings with his children and take a well-deserved vacation.

ENCORE offers 22 ways to win and can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for an extra $1. There is an ENCORE draw every day.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

The winning ticket was purchased at Min-A-Mart on Wilson Avenue in Toronto.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on. ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

TORONTO, ON – Life is a little more “grand” for Yan Liu of Mississauga. He matched all five main numbers to win a second prize of $25,000 a year for life with DAILY GRAND in the April 21, 2025 draw. Yan opted for the lump sum payment of $500,000.

Yan, a sales professional, has been a loyal lottery player with OLG for over 20 years. Each week, he likes to play his favourite games — DAILY GRAND, LOTTO MAX, and LOTTO 6/49 — always using his own set of numbers. Now, the father of one is now thrilled to be celebrating his first big win!

“After the draw, I checked the winning numbers on my phone and realized my ticket was a match,” Yan recalled, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his windfall. “I also received an email from OLG confirming I was a winner. I was so surprised!”

Yan called his family members to share the incredible news. “At first, my sister thought I was joking,” he said with a chuckle. “When she realized I was being serious, she got very excited and congratulated me.”

With his winnings, Yan plans to share with family, buy a new car, and take a well-deserved vacation.

“I’ve been playing the lottery for 20 years and never expected to win such a large amount,” he beamed. “Being a winner feels amazing!”

DAILY GRAND is a national lottery game with a top prize of $1,000 a day for life for matching the five main numbers plus the Grand Number. The second prize is $25,000 a year for life for matching the five main numbers. DAILY GRAND is $3 per play and draws take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Visit the DAILY GRAND page on OLG.ca for more information.

The winning ticket was purchased on OLG.ca.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716

Toronto, ON – Ross Barkwell of Owen Sound can “find his possible” after winning a LOTTO 6/49 second prize worth $260,636.80 in the April 9, 2025 LOTTO 6/49 draw.

Ross, a father of four and grandfather of three, has been playing the lottery with OLG for two years. He enjoys playing LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX, and the occasional INSTANT ticket. He typically plays the lottery twice a week, using OLG’s Quick Pick feature for jackpot games. Ross is now delighted to share the news of his first big win!

“I wasn’t planning on buying any tickets that day, but my mom mentioned the LOTTO 6/49 jackpot was at $44 million,” Ross recalled, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings. “Her lucky number is 44, so I decided to purchase two tickets — one for me and one for her. I had initially planned to pick them up at my usual store, but something told me to go somewhere else. I listened to that little voice in my head — and now here I am, claiming $260,000!”

The following evening, Ross was relaxing in his living room when he remembered to check his ticket using the OLG app. “When I scanned it and saw the words ‘Big Winner,’ I thought I’d won $26,” he recounted. “I handed my phone to my wife and told her to take a look at my $26 win. She was stunned and said, ‘Honey…that’s $260,000!’ Then she double-checked to make sure we were looking at it correctly. We were both so shocked and excited!”

Ross signed his ticket and stored it in a secure place, but he admitted that he and his wife had trouble sleeping that night. “It was a lot for us to take in!” he said with a smile.

When Ross went to validate his ticket, his mother was there to share in the special moment. “She was so thrilled for me,” he said.

Looking back with gratitude, Ross reflected, “The amount isn’t what matters most to me. I feel incredibly grateful to be the one who won out of the millions of people playing.”

With his windfall, he plans to hit the road in an RV and invest for his retirement.

“Winning has been such a joyful experience — one that’s brought happiness and a sense of comfort. I look forward to enjoying more time with family, with a little relief from life’s financial pressures,” he concluded.

LOTTO 6/49 offers players a chance to win two multi-million dollar jackpots every Wednesday and Saturday, for the same $3 per play.

The Classic Draw offers a fixed $5 million jackpot for every draw, while the Gold Ball Draw guarantees a $1 million prize, or the growing jackpot that starts at $10 million and can exceed $60 million. Click here for more information about the new LOTTO 6/49.

The winning ticket was purchased at Balmy Beach Convenience on Grey Road in Owen Sound.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG Winners
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

Play for Ontario – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario
OLG.ca
Follow on X @OLG_ca
Find us on Facebook/Instagram @OLG.ca

PlaySmart.ca
Knowledge you can bet on.
ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716