Toronto, ON – Mark Gatschene of Lambton Shores can “find his possible” after winning a LOTTO 6/49 prize worth $1 million in the Gold Ball Draw on February 18, 2026.

Mark, a 65-year-old retiree, said he’s been playing the lottery with OLG for about 25 years. Now, he’s delighted to share the news of his first major win.

He discovered his big win while using the ticket checker at the store. “It said I won $1 million! My wife was in the store shopping at the time, so I called her over and showed her the screen. We couldn’t believe it,” he said while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his winnings. “We were over the moon!”

After having the ticket validated, Mark and his wife called their children to share the incredible news. “At first, the words didn’t come out. We were having trouble saying anything,” he recalled. “Finally, I said it, and my daughter screamed over the phone. She and our son were so happy!”

With his windfall, Mark plans to purchase a new car and upgrade his RV. “We plan to travel to see more of Canada. We’d like to take a trip out West and maybe visit Banff.”

When asked what it’s like to win big, Mark said, “It’s out of this world! It feels like it can’t be real, but it is. This prize came at a great time.”

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 Points Preference Supermarket on West Ipperwash Road in Kettle and Stony Point.

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