TORONTO, ON – Saying “yes” to ENCORE paid off for John Tolles of Everett. He matched all seven ENCORE numbers in exact order in the January 21, 2025 LOTTO MAX draw to win $1 million!

John, a millwright, has been playing the lottery with OLG for more than four decades. He enjoys playing a variety of jackpot games, including LOTTO MAX, DAILY GRAND, LOTTARIO, and ONTARIO 49. The father of four usually uses OLG’s Quick Pick feature to make his selections and always adds ENCORE to his tickets. This dedication has now paid off, leading John to his first big win!

“It was nighttime when my wife got up and saw my ticket on the dresser. She decided to check it using the OLG app. When she discovered it was a winner, she eagerly woke me up,” John recalled, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings. “In a drowsy fog, we went to the kitchen to review the winning numbers and compare them with my ticket. We were shocked and so excited. We stayed up all night talking about how much this win would change our lives.”

“My wife and I shared the incredible news with our family and a few friends,” said John. “They were shocked and thought I was kidding around, but after showing them the ticket, they were so happy for us. My daughter was thrilled that I could now start planning my retirement.”

“Winning this prize feels awesome,” John beamed. “It has lifted some financial worries and will help me to retire. If I could give a word of advice, it would be to buy a ticket. You never know–you could be the next big winner,” he concluded.

With his winnings, John plans to pay off bills, travel with his wife, and share with his children.

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 at Ivan Variety on Main Street in Everett.

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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