Toronto, ON – Giuseppe Desimone of North York can realize his dreams after winning a $500,000 MAXMILLIONS prize in the December 30, 2025 LOTTO MAX draw. His ticket was one of two that split a $1 million MAXMILLIONS prize.

Giuseppe, a 62-year-old truck mechanic, said he’s been playing LOTTO MAX twice a week for over 30 years.

“I was at home when I found out I won. It was an ordinary evening, and I had no idea something life-changing was about to happen,” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings.

Giuseppe said he and his wife were heading out to a birthday dinner when he grabbed an old coat. As he put it on, his wife happened to notice something peeking out of the pocket. “I pulled it out and realized it was an old lottery ticket. I had completely forgotten about it,” Giuseppe recalled. “We decided to check it quickly before leaving, and our jaws dropped in shock when we realized it was a big winner. It felt surreal – almost like a dream! We didn’t share the news at dinner because it didn’t feel like the time or place.”

When asked to describe the feeling of winning big, Giuseppe said, “It’s a rush of happiness that’s hard to contain. I’m incredibly grateful. Words can’t even explain how excited I am about this unexpected win.”

With his prize money, the father of two plans to save for the future and share with his children.

LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $9.7 billion since 2009, including 121 jackpot wins and 1,000 MAXMILLIONS prizes, right across the province. LOTTO MAX is $5 per play and draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Click here for more information about LOTTO MAX.

The winning ticket was purchased at Petro-Canada on Keele Street in Maple.

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. OLG has been giving back to Ontario since 1975, generating approximately $64 billion for the people and the Province 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
With you every step of the play. ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

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