Toronto, ON – John Celentino of Niagara Falls can realize his dreams after winning a $1 million MAXMILLIONS prize in the December 19, 2025 LOTTO MAX draw.

John, who is retired from law enforcement, has been playing the lottery with OLG on and off for 20 years. “I bought my ticket at the store and found out I was a winner a few days later. Initially, I checked my ticket on my iPad and thought I won $1,000,” the 79-year-old recalled while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his windfall.

Later that day, on his way to his sister’s house, John stopped at the store. “When I handed my ticket to the clerk, the machine shut down and I heard the ‘Big Winner’ sound. Next thing I knew, I was getting a call from OLG! I was overcome with emotion and in a state of utter disbelief!"

The first person John shared the news with was his wife. “She was in the car waiting for me and asked what took me so long. I showed her the winning slip with all the zeroes. She couldn’t believe it and was so excited. I also told my sister and daughter about the win. My daughter was in tears!”

With his winnings, John looks forward to taking care of his family and doing some home renovations.

“I’m extremely grateful. Knowing this win will help me take care of my loved ones brings me great joy and peace of mind,” he concluded.

LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $9.7 billion since 2009, including 119 jackpot wins and 997 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 Happy Convenience on Saint Clair Avenue in Niagara Falls.

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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Celebrating 50 years of wins and giving back! 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 $62 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.

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