MAJOR WINNERS NEWS RELEASE
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MAJOR WINNERS NEWS RELEASE
Check out our winner news releases to learn more about recent prize winners.
WATERFORD RESIDENT CELEBRATES $2,512,670 LOTTARIO JACKPOT WIN
TORONTO, ON – Luigi Colangelo of Waterford won “Ontario’s jackpot” – $2,512,670.80 in the June 21, 2025 LOTTARIO draw.
Luigi, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, has been a loyal lottery player with OLG for decades. He plays every week and enjoys a variety of games, including LOTTARIO, LOTTO MAX, and LOTTO 6/49. Luigi prefers to choose his own numbers and always adds ENCORE to his tickets. Now, the retiree is delighted to share the story of his first big win.
“It was early morning when I decided to check my tickets on my phone,” Luigi recounted, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his windfall. “My wife was looking over my shoulder and was so excited because she thought we had won $25,000.”
Luigi double-checked his ticket a few times. “That’s when I told myself, ‘This can’t be just thousands — there are too many numbers!’ As soon as I realized I’d really won $2.5 million, the first thing I did was raise both my hands in the air and shout, ‘Freedom!’ I was so excited that I started jumping up and down.”
Overcome with joy, Luigi shared the remarkable news with his daughters. “They told me I deserve this win and that they’re beyond happy for me. They should be happy … they’re getting half of it!” he laughed. “It feels amazing that I can do something special for my kids and grandkids.”
Although Luigi has family top of mind, he does have one practical goal for himself: a new car. “My car is on life support, so I’m due for a little upgrade,” he chuckled.
When asked to describe what it’s like to win the lottery, Luigi said, “It’s one exhilarating feeling. I can’t even contain my excitement! I always hoped to win big one day. That dream finally came true, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I’m a very, very happy man.”
LOTTARIO launched in 1978 as Ontario’s first terminal lotto game. Tickets are $1 and the draws take place every Saturday. Tickets purchased before 11:59 p.m. on Fridays are eligible for the Early Bird draw. Visit the LOTTARIO page on OLG.ca for more information.
The winning ticket was purchased at Bradshaw Brothers Family Convenience on Norfolk County Road 24 in Waterford.
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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