Toronto, ON – James Gaspar of Welland was struck by the LIGHTNING LOTTO jackpot on April 6, 2025. The top prize had grown to $462,319.20 before it was won!

James, a produce clerk, has been a regular lottery player with OLG for the past decade. His go-to games include LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 6/49, ONTARIO 49, and LOTTARIO. However, it was a relatively unfamiliar ticket that brought him his most electrifying prize yet.

While picking up his usual tickets at the store, the father of one made a spontaneous decision to switch things up. “LIGHTNING LOTTO was just staring me in the face, so I figured I’d give it a shot,” he said with a chuckle.

“This was only the second LIGHTNING LOTTO ticket I’d ever bought,” James shared, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his windfall. “I won the jackpot on my second try!”

Matching all five numbers, James won the jackpot faster than a lightning strike. “It was pretty surprising and intense. I didn’t know what was going on!” he recalled. “The store clerk was new, so we were both just sitting there in shock!”

“I didn’t share the news with anyone except my wife,” said James. “She just about told the whole world! I plan to keep the news under wraps until I have the money in my hands.”

With his windfall, James plans to invest for his retirement. “Winning is a great feeling,” he beamed. “I can now do as I please without financial pressure. In fact, I’m ready to retire now!”

LIGHTNING LOTTO players can win a jackpot on the spot! Match all five numbers in any one line on your LIGHTNING LOTTO ticket with those drawn earlier that day to win the jackpot. The top prize starts at $125,000 and grows with ticket sales. Each $2 Quick Pick consists of three lines of five numbers from 1 to 49. LIGHTNING LOTTO is available exclusively at lottery retailers. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 4.47. For more information on How to Play as well as full prize details and odds of winning, visit OLG.ca.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on East Main Street in Welland.

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.

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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
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ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

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Toronto, ON – Peter Hedgecock of Markham can “find his possible” after winning a LOTTO 6/49 prize worth $1 million in the Gold Ball Draw on March 29, 2025.

Peter, a father of three, has been playing the lottery with OLG for nearly 20 years. He regularly plays LOTTO 6/49 and LOTTO MAX, always choosing his own numbers and adding ENCORE to his tickets. Now, he’s thrilled to share the story of his first big win!

“I hadn’t seen the original email OLG sent about my win,” Peter explained, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his windfall. “I only realized I’d won big when I received a second reminder email. When I read it, I was in a state of shock — half of me didn’t believe it. Thank goodness they send those reminders!”

Peter quietly shared the exciting news with his wife. “I went to bed and whispered to her, ‘Honey, we won $1 million.’ She was half asleep and told me to go away!”

Though he hasn’t made any big decisions yet, Peter says he’ll put this prize toward his retirement. “Winning is a humbling feeling,” he concluded with a smile.

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 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