Toronto, ON – Virginia Zapanta of Scarborough can realize her dreams after winning a $1 million MAXMILLIONS prize in the April 25, 2025 LOTTO MAX draw.

Virginia has been a loyal lottery player with OLG for over 40 years. She enjoys playing LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49 and never misses a draw. She uses OLG’s Quick Pick feature to make her selections and always says ‘yes’ to ENCORE. Now, the longtime lottery player is celebrating her 83^rd birthday with her first big win: $1 million!

“I was shopping at the mall and on my way out, I came across a kiosk, so I decided to stop and grab a ticket,” she recounted, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect her winnings.

It was a few days after the draw — on her birthday, no less — when Virginia had her ticket validated and received the surprise of a lifetime. “When I saw the prize amount on the screen, I froze,” she said. “My heart started racing as I stood there in shock. I turned to the store clerk and asked, ‘Is this real? This can’t be real!’”

When her win was confirmed, Virginia was overwhelmed with excitement. “I typically win Free Plays or $5,” she chuckled, “But $1 million? Wow — it’s just crazy. Never in my life did I prepare myself for a win like this. I’ve never seen such a large amount before!”

Virginia shared the incredible news with a group of friends. “They started dancing around me,” she said, smiling. “They’re all so happy for me.”

When asked how it feels to win the lottery, Virginia beamed with joy. “I’m happy, happy, happy!” she exclaimed. “This is hands down one of my favourite birthdays ever. 83 is my year!”

With her newfound fortune, Virginia plans to share with her family, pay off her mortgage, and treat herself to a well-deserved shopping spree at the mall.

“This win lets me cross one of the last few things off my bucket list,” she added. “I feel incredibly grateful to be an OLG winner.”

LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $9 billion since 2009, including 115 jackpot wins and 943 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 Gateway Lotto Centre on Tapscott Road in Scarborough.

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. 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.

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
Knowledge you can bet on. ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

Disponible en français

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