TORONTO, ON – Matin Kelidisian of Aurora won “Ontario’s jackpot” – $1,430,311 in the December 21, 2024 LOTTARIO draw.

Matin, an apprentice, began playing the lottery with OLG about three months ago. Each week, he makes sure to grab his LOTTARIO, ONTARIO 49, LOTTO MAX, and LOTTO 6/49 Quick Pick tickets. The 19-year-old could never have imagined that, just months after buying his first ticket, he’d be celebrating his first big win and the thrill of becoming a millionaire!

“I went to the store to have my ticket validated. When I saw the prize amount, I immediately started running around the store. With pure joy, I screamed, ‘I won! I won!’ The other customers in the store were looking at me like I was crazy, but I didn’t care!” Matin laughed, as he visited the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his windfall. “It was the happiest moment ever. My face was red and I was shaking. It was electrifying–like a thousand shocks coursing through my body. The clerk offered me water and suggested I take a seat to catch my breath.”

“I called my parents, who were out shopping at the time, and said, ‘Mom! Dad! I won the lottery! Come quick!’ They dropped everything and got to me within 10 minutes,” Matin recounted. “When my mom saw me, her reaction was priceless. She was crying tears of joy and telling everyone in the store how deserving I was of this prize. Hearing my mom speak those kind words was such a beautiful feeling.”

“I’ve only told my parents, sister, and girlfriend about my win. They couldn’t be happier for me,” Matin smiled. “I plan to share the news with family and friends once I have the cheque in hand. I can’t wait to see my friend’s reactions when I tell them!”

“I’m so thankful for this win. I feel blessed to have won this jackpot at my age,” Matin beamed. “I’m so happy I can help my parents, especially after everything they’ve done for me. I want to help them with bills and their mortgage, easing a bit of stress. I want to pay off my sister’s student loans and invest for the long term. I’ve never been outside of Canada, so I think I’ll treat myself to a few trips. First stop–The Dominican!”

LOTTARIO launched in 1978 as Ontario’s first terminal lotto game. Tickets are $1 and the draws take place every Saturday. Tickets purchased before 11:59 p.m. on Fridays are eligible for the Early Bird draw. Visit the LOTTARIO page on OLG.ca for more information.

The winning ticket was purchased at Andrew’s Convenience on Bayview Avenue in Aurora.

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.

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