Lottery Jackpots & Results https://blog.xolotto.com/blog Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:35:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://res.cloudinary.com/oxford/images/f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,w_auto,fl_progressive/f_auto,q_auto/v1722574124/xo-lotto-logo-48x48-1/xo-lotto-logo-48x48-1.png?_i=AA Lottery Jackpots & Results https://blog.xolotto.com/blog 32 32 Canadian Lottery Winners: Biggest Jackpots Ever https://xolotto.com/blog/canadian-lottery-winners/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:34:39 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5654 Quick Answer: Canadian lottery winners have claimed over $2 billion in jackpots exceeding $50 million since 2009. The biggest? Justin Simporios of Surrey, BC took home $80 million in May 2025 — the largest individual lottery prize in Canadian history. Below, we rank every major winner by jackpot size. Get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets when you sign up at XO Lotto.

Canada produces more multimillionaires per capita through lottery wins than almost any country on Earth. And unlike the US, Canadian lottery winnings are completely tax-free.

Yet finding a complete list of Canadian lottery winners in one place? Nearly impossible. Provincial lottery corporations only publish their own winners. News sites cover individual stories then move on.

This guide changes that. We’ve researched every major jackpot win across all provinces and both national games — Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 — to create the definitive ranking of Canada’s biggest lottery winners. For a deep dive into Canada’s flagship game, see our complete Lotto Max Canada guide.

All-Time Biggest Canadian Lottery Winners

Lotto Max winners moment — woman checking smartphone with authentic surprised expression

Here’s what you came for: the complete ranking of Canada’s largest lottery jackpot wins, verified and updated as of December 2025.

Top 15 Canadian Lottery Winners by Jackpot Size

RankAmountWinnerGameDateLocation
1$80,000,000Justin SimporiosLotto MaxMay 2025Surrey, BC
2$80,000,000Split (2 tickets)Lotto MaxSept 2024Ontario + Quebec
3$75,000,000David HattLotto MaxOct 2025Kingston, ON
4$70,000,000Adlin LewisLotto MaxJan 2020Brampton, ON
5$70,000,000Dale McEwenLotto Max2022Regina, SK
6$70,000,000Marcel J. LussierLotto MaxJune 2022Quebec
7$68,000,000AnonymousLotto 6/49Sept 2023Toronto, ON
8$65,000,000Mohit SharmaLotto MaxJune 2025Etobicoke, ON
9$65,000,000Mark HanleyLotto MaxMarch 2025Newmarket, ON
10$65,000,000Tai TrinhLotto MaxOct 2019Calgary, AB
11$64,000,000Zhe WangLotto 6/49Oct 2015Mississauga, ON
12$63,400,000Split (4 tickets)Lotto 6/49April 2013BC + Alberta
13$60,000,000Online winnerLotto 6/49May 2025Ontario
14$60,000,000Single ticketLotto MaxSept 2015Brampton, ON
15$55,000,00020 Rona employeesLotto MaxJuly 2015Quebec

Every single person on this list became a multimillionaire from a ticket that cost $5 or less. And remember — in Canada, lottery winnings are 100% tax-free. That $80 million? The winner kept $80 million.

Record-Breaking Lotto Max Winners in Canada

Lotto Max dominates the list of Canadian lottery winners for good reason. The game’s maximum jackpot increased to $80 million in September 2024, creating opportunities for the largest prizes in Canadian history.

How Lotto Max Creates Massive Jackpots

The game starts at $10 million and grows with each draw until someone wins. Once it hits $50 million, supplemental “MaxMillions” prizes of $1 million each get added. The June 2021 draw reached a total prize pool of $140 million — $70 million main jackpot plus 70 MaxMillions prizes.

That draw produced 32 millionaires in a single night.

The $80 Million Club

Only three tickets have ever won $80 million in Canada:

Justin Simporios — $80 Million (May 2025)

The Surrey, BC father bought his ticket at Walmart during a grocery run for hamburger buns. He paid $12 for a Quick Pick and checked his numbers that night using the BCLC app.

“I saw that someone won $80 million in Surrey,” Simporios recalled. “So I made a joke right away, ‘Hey baby, we’re millionaires.'” His wife told him to keep it down — their daughter was sleeping.

Then he checked the numbers. They matched. He quit his logistics job via email two hours before his winner announcement press conference.

September 2024 Split — $40 Million Each

The first-ever $80 million Lotto Max jackpot was split between two tickets sold in Ontario and Quebec. Jean Lamontagne of Montreal collected his $40 million share after discovering the win at work. The 60-year-old retired earlier than planned.

Lotto Max Winners by Province

Ontario and Quebec produce the most Lotto Max winners simply because they have the largest populations. But Western Canada punches above its weight.

ProvinceNotable WinnersLargest Win
OntarioAdlin Lewis, David Hatt, Mohit Sharma, Mark Hanley$75M (Hatt, 2025)
QuebecJean Lamontagne, Marcel Lussier, 20 Rona employees$70M (Lussier, 2022)
British ColumbiaJustin Simporios$80M (2025) — Canadian record
AlbertaTai Trinh, Bon Truong$65M (Trinh, 2019)
SaskatchewanDale McEwen$70M (2022)
ManitobaMultiple $1M MaxMillions winnersVarious
Atlantic CanadaVarious$60M+

Want to play Lotto Max from anywhere in Canada without visiting a retailer? XO Lotto offers Lotto Max tickets online with Interac deposits and CAD withdrawals.

Canadian Lottery Winners: Lotto 6/49 Record Jackpots

Canada lottery winners play online — laptop on coffee table with lottery tickets and CAD bills

While Lotto Max grabs headlines for sheer size, Lotto 6/49 holds its own records — including the largest jackpot ever guaranteed to be won.

The $68 Million Guaranteed Winner

In September 2023, Lotto 6/49’s Gold Ball system created something unprecedented: a jackpot that had to be won. The game’s new format (introduced in 2022) uses a “ball draw” mechanic where the jackpot grows until only the gold ball remains.

On September 27, 2023, that gold ball was finally drawn. A Toronto-area ticket holder won $68 million — the largest Lotto 6/49 prize in Canadian history.

Top Lotto 6/49 Canadian Lottery Winners

AmountWinnerDateLocationStory
$68MAnonymousSept 2023Toronto areaGold Ball guaranteed winner
$64MZhe WangOct 2015Mississauga, ONKept win private, celebrated quietly with family
$63.4MSplit 4 waysApril 2013BC + Alberta3 BC tickets, 1 Alberta ticket
$60MOnline purchaserMay 2025OntarioBought ticket online
$54.3M17 oil workersOct 2005Camrose, ABLargest Canadian jackpot at the time

The 2005 Oil Workers Win deserves special mention. Seventeen colleagues at an oil and gas plant in Camrose, Alberta pooled their money for tickets. When they won $54.3 million, each took home roughly $3.1 million. It remained Canada’s largest jackpot for years.

Why Lotto 6/49 Wins Can Be Even More Special

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Lotto 6/49 offers guaranteed million-dollar winners on every single draw through its Classic Draw and Gold Ball system. Every draw produces at least one $1 million winner — plus the chance at the growing jackpot.

Sign up at XO Lotto and get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets — your chance to join the list of Canadian lottery winners starts with zero risk.

Canadian Lottery Winners by Province

Where do Canada’s biggest lottery winners come from? Here’s the breakdown by region.

Ontario Lottery Winners

Ontario produces more Canadian lottery winners than any other province, which makes sense — it’s home to nearly 40% of Canada’s population.

Notable Ontario Winners:

  • David Hatt — $75 million Lotto Max (Kingston, Oct 2025)
  • Mohit Sharma — $65 million Lotto Max (Etobicoke, June 2025)
  • Mark Hanley — $65 million Lotto Max (Newmarket, March 2025)
  • Adlin Lewis — $70 million Lotto Max (Brampton, Jan 2020)
  • Zhe Wang — $64 million Lotto 6/49 (Mississauga, Oct 2015)

Ontario residents can play both national lotteries online through XO Lotto, which accepts players from all Canadian provinces.

British Columbia Lottery Winners

BC now holds the record for Canada’s largest individual lottery win: Justin Simporios’ $80 million Lotto Max jackpot in May 2025.

Notable BC Winners:

  • Justin Simporios — $80 million (Surrey, 2025)
  • Multiple $1M+ winners — Various MaxMillions and Gold Ball prizes

BC players can access Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and international lotteries through XO Lotto.

Quebec Lottery Winners

Quebec has produced several of Canada’s most heartwarming lottery stories, including workplace groups who shared massive jackpots.

Notable Quebec Winners:

  • Jean Lamontagne — $40 million (split from $80M, Montreal, Sept 2024)
  • Marcel J. Lussier — $70 million (Montérégie, June 2022)
  • 20 Rona Employees — $55 million shared (July 2015)

Western Canada Lottery Winners (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) oversees lottery sales in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the territories. Despite smaller populations, Western Canadians have won some of the largest jackpots in history.

Notable Western Winners:

  • Dale McEwen — $70 million (Regina, SK, 2022)
  • Tai Trinh — $65 million (Calgary, AB, 2019)
  • Bon Truong — $39.5 million (Edmonton, AB, 2019)
  • 17 Oil Workers — $54.3 million shared (Camrose, AB, 2005)

Atlantic Canada Lottery Winners

Atlantic Lottery serves New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. While the region has smaller populations, it’s produced numerous millionaires through both national games and regional lotteries.

What Canadian Lottery Winners Do With Their Money

Beyond the numbers, the stories of Canadian lottery winners reveal what matters most to people when money is no longer an obstacle. For some truly wild spending ideas, check out our look at outrageous things you could buy with a Lotto Max jackpot.

Common First Purchases

canadian- ottery-winners looking for new car

Based on winner interviews and lottery corporation announcements:

  1. Pay off debt — Mortgages, car loans, student debt
  2. Help family — Justin Simporios immediately planned to pay off his sister’s medical school debt
  3. Quit or reduce work — Most winners retire or go part-time within weeks
  4. Travel — Mohit Sharma’s first plan was riding famous trains worldwide
  5. Real estate — New homes, vacation properties, helping family buy homes

Winners Who Stayed Humble

Not every Canadian lottery winner goes on a spending spree. Marcel Lussier, the Quebec retiree who won $70 million, still lives in the same Montérégie home he’d occupied for 50 years. He focused on humanitarian causes rather than personal luxuries.

Zhe Wang, who won $64 million in 2015, avoided media attention entirely and quietly celebrated with her family. Many Canadian lottery winners choose similar privacy.

The Tax-Free Advantage

Here’s what makes Canadian lottery winners especially fortunate: every dollar is theirs to keep. Unlike American lottery winners who might lose 40%+ to federal and state taxes, Canadians pay nothing.

An $80 million win in Canada = $80 million in your bank account.

An $80 million win in the US = roughly $45-50 million after taxes.

That’s why playing Canadian lotteries offers better effective value than chasing larger US jackpots like Mega Millions.

How to Become a Canadian Lottery Winner

Every winner on this list did one thing: they bought a ticket. That’s it. No secret strategy. No lucky store (though some certainly have winning streaks). Just participation.

Step 1: Choose Your Game

Lotto Max — Bigger jackpots ($10M-$80M), plus MaxMillions when jackpot exceeds $50M. Draws Tuesday and Friday.

Lotto 6/49 — Fixed $5M Classic Draw plus growing Gold Ball jackpot (up to $68M). Guaranteed $1M winner every draw. Draws Wednesday and Saturday.

Not interested in lotteries? XO Lotto also offers online scratch cards with instant wins and no waiting for draw results.

Step 2: Get Your Tickets

XO Lotto lets you play from anywhere in Canada with Interac deposits. No retailer visit needed. Create your free account in under two minutes.

Step 3: Keep Your Ticket Safe

Every year, millions in prizes go unclaimed because people lose tickets or forget to check. If playing online through XO Lotto, your tickets are stored digitally and you’re notified automatically if you win.

► Ready to start? Get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets at XO Lotto — your chance to join the list of Canadian lottery winners starts with zero risk.

Canadian Lottery Winners: The Odds Reality

Honesty about the numbers matters. Canadian lottery winners beat extremely long odds.

GameJackpot OddsAny Prize OddsMax Jackpot
Lotto Max1 in 33,294,8001 in 7$80 million
Lotto 6/49 Classic1 in 13,983,8161 in 6.6$5 million
Lotto 6/49 Gold BallImproves each draw (guaranteed within 30)$68 million+

The Gold Ball mechanic on Lotto 6/49 is particularly interesting. Unlike Lotto Max where the jackpot could theoretically roll indefinitely, Lotto 6/49’s Gold Ball is guaranteed to hit within 30 draws. That’s why the $68 million jackpot in September 2023 was a certainty — someone had to win.

The Reality Check

Most people will never become Canadian lottery winners. The odds are designed that way — it’s how jackpots grow so large.

But someone wins. Every single draw produces winners. And the only guaranteed way to not win is to not play at all.

If you enjoy lottery games as entertainment (not as an investment strategy), the occasional ticket is a small price for the dream. Just play within your budget and remember: it’s entertainment first. Have questions? Check our FAQ or visit XO Lotto’s responsible gaming page for support tools.

FAQ: Canadian Lottery Winners

Who won $80 million in Lotto Max?

Justin Simporios of Surrey, BC won $80 million in the May 9, 2025 Lotto Max draw. He’s the largest individual Canadian lottery winner in history. Previously, the September 2024 $80 million jackpot was split between two tickets in Ontario and Quebec ($40 million each).

What is the biggest lottery jackpot ever won in Canada?

The biggest lottery jackpot in Canadian history is $80 million, achieved twice through Lotto Max. Justin Simporios won the full amount in May 2025. The September 2024 draw also hit $80 million but was split between two winners. For Lotto 6/49, the record is $68 million won in September 2023.

Can lottery winners remain anonymous in Canada?

It depends on the province and lottery corporation. Some Canadian lottery winners can remain anonymous, while others are required to participate in publicity. Quebec and Atlantic Canada generally allow more anonymity. Ontario typically requires winners to be publicly identified but offers some exceptions. XO Lotto respects winner privacy in accordance with applicable laws.

Which Canadian lottery has the best odds of winning?

Lotto 6/49 has better jackpot odds (1 in 13.98 million) compared to Lotto Max (1 in 33.29 million). However, Lotto Max offers larger maximum jackpots ($80M vs $68M). For the best balance, Lotto 6/49’s Gold Ball system guarantees a jackpot winner within 30 draws. Get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets here.

Do Canadian lottery winners pay taxes?

No. Canadian lottery winnings are completely tax-free. This includes all federal and provincial taxes. An $80 million jackpot means $80 million in your account. This makes Canadian lotteries more valuable on an after-tax basis than American lotteries, where winners may lose 40%+ to taxes.

How do I claim lottery winnings in Canada?

Online purchases through XO Lotto credit smaller wins automatically; larger jackpot wins are handled through their customer support team.

Has anyone won Lotto Max with a free play ticket?

Yes. Adlin Lewis, who won $70 million in January 2020, used a free play ticket he’d won from a previous draw. His story proves that even “bonus” tickets can create Canadian lottery winners.

What’s the largest Lotto 6/49 jackpot ever won?

The largest Lotto 6/49 jackpot was $68 million, won on September 27, 2023, by a Toronto-area ticket holder. This was a guaranteed win due to the Gold Ball draw system, where the jackpot must be won once only the gold ball remains.

Join the Next Generation of Canadian Lottery Winners

The list of Canadian lottery winners grows with every draw. Twice a week for Lotto Max. Twice a week for Lotto 6/49. That’s four chances every week for someone to join the ranks of Canada’s newest millionaires.

The 2025 winners profiled above all have one thing in common: they bought a ticket. Justin Simporios grabbed his during a grocery run. Mohit Sharma played as a weekly pandemic routine. Mark Hanley had been buying tickets for 30 years.

You can play Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 from anywhere in Canada through XO Lotto. No retailer visit needed. Interac deposits. Automatic win notifications. CAD withdrawals.

Sign up now and get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets — your name could be on the next list of Canadian lottery winners.

Related Guides

Play responsibly. 19+ only. Lottery games involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

]]>
Powerball Canada: Chase the $1.14 Billion CAD Jackpot Saturday https://xolotto.com/blog/powerball-canada-1-billion-december-2025/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:09:14 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5609

Quick Answer: Yes, Canadians can play Powerball — and Saturday’s jackpot is $1.14 billion CAD (approximately $820 million USD). The draw happens December 6 at 10:59 PM ET. You don’t need a US address. Get a free Powerball ticket at XO Lotto and you’re in before the cutoff.

This is the 8th largest Powerball Canada jackpot in history. No ticket matched all six numbers Wednesday night, so the prize rolled over — and it’s now worth over a billion dollars Canadian.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try Powerball from Canada, this is it.

Saturday’s Powerball Jackpot: The Numbers

DetailValue
Jackpot (CAD)$1.14 Billion CAD
Jackpot (USD)$820 Million USD
Draw DateSaturday, December 6, 2025
Draw Time10:59 PM ET
Ticket Cutoff~9:57 PM ET

The jackpot has been rolling since October. Wednesday’s winning numbers were 1, 14, 20, 46, 51 with Powerball 26 — no jackpot winner, but one Kentucky player hit $2 million with Power Play.

That means Saturday’s pot just got bigger.

Bottom line: You have until Saturday evening to grab your Powerball ticket. Miss the cutoff and you’re waiting until Monday’s draw.

Can Canadians Play Powerball?

Canadian Powerball winner genuine celebration reaction holding lottery tickets at home

Yes. This is the most common question — and the answer is straightforward.

Powerball is a US lottery, but non-US residents can legally play and claim prizes. You don’t need American citizenship or a US address. Canadians have won Powerball prizes before, and there’s nothing stopping you from being next.

The catch? You can’t buy tickets at Canadian retailers. Powerball isn’t sold at your local Shoppers or Petro-Canada.

Your options:

  1. Drive to the US — Cross the border, buy a ticket at a gas station, hope you don’t lose it
  2. Use a licensed online platform — Buy from home in 2 minutes

Most Canadians choose option 2. It’s faster, you don’t risk losing a paper ticket, and platforms like XO Lotto handle everything digitally.

How to Buy Powerball Tickets in Canada

Here’s the step-by-step to get your Powerball ticket before Saturday’s draw:

Step 1: Create Your XO Lotto Account

Visit XO Lotto’s sign-up page. Enter your email, create a password, and verify you’re 19+. Takes about 60 seconds.

Step 2: Claim Your Free Powerball Ticket

New players get a free Powerball ticket — no deposit required. That’s one entry into the $1.14 billion CAD draw at zero cost.

Step 3: Choose Your Numbers (or Quick Pick)

Head to the Powerball page. Pick 5 numbers from 1-69 and 1 Powerball number from 1-26. Or let the system Quick Pick for you — statistically, it doesn’t matter.

Step 4: Add Power Play (Optional)

For an extra $1 per line, Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. Match 5 numbers without the Powerball? That’s $2 million with Power Play instead of $1 million.

Step 5: Confirm Before the Cutoff

Ticket sales close around 9:57 PM ET on Saturday. Don’t wait until the last minute — get your entry confirmed early.

That’s it. You’re playing the same Powerball as 200 million Americans, from your couch in Canada.

Why Canadians Play Powerball at XO Lotto

Not all platforms offering international lotteries are equal. Here’s why XO Lotto works for Canadian players:

Everything’s in CAD

Deposit in Canadian dollars via Interac e-Transfer. No currency conversion headaches, no surprise fees. Winnings pay out in CAD too — your $1.14 billion stays in Canadian dollars.

Free Ticket for New Players

Your first Powerball entry is free — no deposit, no credit card required. Just sign up and claim it.

Win something? Request a withdrawal and get your CAD within 24-48 hours via Interac e-Transfer. No week-long waits.

Digital Ticket Storage

No paper ticket to lose. Your entries are stored in your account. If you win, XO Lotto notifies you — no checking numbers manually.

More Than Just Powerball

XO Lotto also offers Mega Millions, EuroMillions, Lotto Max, and dozens of scratch cards. One account, multiple ways to play.

Powerball Odds: What You’re Up Against

Let’s be real about the math.

PrizeMatchOdds
Jackpot ($1.14B CAD)5 + Powerball1 in 292,201,338
$1,000,0005 numbers1 in 11,688,053
$50,0004 + Powerball1 in 913,129
$1004 numbers1 in 36,525
$1003 + Powerball1 in 14,494
$73 numbers1 in 579
$72 + Powerball1 in 701
$41 + Powerball1 in 92
$4Powerball only1 in 38

Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 24.9

Yes, the jackpot odds are brutal — 1 in 292 million. But someone wins eventually. And 1 in 24.9 means roughly 1 in 25 tickets wins something.

The question isn’t whether Powerball is a smart “investment” (it’s not — it’s entertainment). The question is whether a free ticket for a $1.14 billion CAD jackpot is worth 2 minutes of your time.

For most people, the answer is yes.

What Happens If a Canadian Wins Powerball?

Powerball jackpot check in car Canadian player discovering winning numbers on phone

Good news: Canadians can absolutely claim Powerball prizes, including the jackpot.

Here’s what you need to know:

US Tax Withholding

The IRS withholds 30% of lottery winnings for non-US residents. On the approximately $533 million CAD cash option, that’s about $160 million CAD withheld upfront.

Canadian Taxes

Here’s where it gets interesting. Lottery winnings aren’t taxed in Canada. But you already paid US withholding tax.

Canada and the US have a tax treaty. You may be able to claim a foreign tax credit on your Canadian return — talk to a cross-border tax specialist if you win big. (That’s a good problem to have.)

Claiming Process

With XO Lotto, the platform handles prize claims on your behalf. You don’t need to fly to the US, stand in line at a lottery office, or navigate American bureaucracy.

For jackpot wins, XO Lotto coordinates directly with lottery officials. Your verified winnings transfer to your account, minus applicable withholding.

Payment Options

Winners choose between:

  1. Annuity — $1.14 billion CAD paid over 30 years in graduated payments (increase 5% annually)
  2. Cash — Approximately $533 million CAD lump sum (before taxes)

Most winners take the cash. One big check, invest it yourself, done.

Powerball Canada vs Lotto Max: Quick Comparison

Already play Lotto Max? Here’s how it stacks up against Saturday’s Powerball:

FeaturePowerball (Dec 6)Lotto Max
Current Jackpot$1.14 Billion CAD$20-70 Million CAD (typical)
Jackpot Odds1 in 292 million1 in 33 million
Ticket Price~$2.80 CAD$5 CAD (3 lines)
DrawsMon, Wed, SatTue, Fri
Tax on Winnings30% US withholdingTax-free in Canada

Translation: Lotto Max has better odds (about 9x better), but Powerball’s jackpot is in a different league. At $1.14 billion CAD, this Powerball is worth more than 16 maximum Lotto Max jackpots combined.

Why not play both? Grab your free Powerball ticket and check Lotto Max results for the next Canadian draw.

When Is the Powerball Drawing?

DrawDateTime (ET)Ticket Cutoff
Next DrawSaturday, Dec 6, 202510:59 PM~9:57 PM
Following DrawMonday, Dec 8, 202510:59 PM~9:57 PM

Powerball draws happen Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern.

If no one wins Saturday, the jackpot rolls to Monday — and it’ll be even bigger. But don’t bank on that. Get your ticket now.

5 Tips for Playing Powerball from Canada

1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Ticket sales close before the draw. Get your entry confirmed hours early — not minutes.

2. Consider Power Play for Non-Jackpot Prizes

Power Play costs $1 extra but can turn a $1 million prize into $2 million. Worth considering if you’re buying multiple lines.

3. Use Quick Pick — It Doesn’t Matter

Roughly 70% of Powerball winners used Quick Pick (random numbers). There’s no strategic advantage to picking your own.

4. Set a Budget

Decide what you’re comfortable spending for entertainment — $5, $10, $20 — and stick to it. The free ticket offer helps here.

5. Check Results (Or Let XO Lotto Notify You)

After the draw, check Powerball results or wait for email notification. With digital tickets, you won’t miss a win.

Ready to Play Saturday’s $1.14 Billion CAD Powerball?

How to buy Powerball in Canada on smartphone showing XO Lotto lottery interface

The draw is December 6 at 10:59 PM ET. That’s tomorrow night.

Here’s your fastest path:

  1. Claim your free Powerball ticket — no deposit needed
  2. Pick your numbers or Quick Pick
  3. Confirm before the 9:57 PM ET cutoff
  4. Watch the draw (or check results Sunday morning)

This billion-dollar jackpot won’t last forever. Someone will win it — Saturday, Monday, or soon after. Make sure you’re in the game.

Questions? The XO Lotto support team is available to help.

Follow XO Lotto on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) for jackpot updates and draw reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canadians play Powerball legally?

Yes. Powerball Canada allows non-US residents to play and claim prizes. You don’t need US citizenship or an American address. Canadians can purchase tickets through licensed platforms like XO Lotto and claim any winnings.

How do I buy Powerball tickets in Canada?

The easiest way is online through XO Lotto. Create an account, pick your numbers, and confirm before the draw cutoff. You can also drive to the US and buy at a retailer, but online is faster.

What is the current Powerball jackpot in Canadian dollars?

As of December 5, 2025, the Powerball jackpot is $1.14 billion CAD (approximately $820 million USD). The cash option is approximately $533 million CAD. The next draw is Saturday, December 6 at 10:59 PM ET.

What happens if a Canadian wins the Powerball jackpot?

Canadians can claim Powerball prizes, including the jackpot. The IRS withholds 30% for non-US residents. Lottery winnings aren’t taxed in Canada, but you may be able to claim foreign tax credits. With XO Lotto, prize claims are handled on your behalf.

What are the odds of winning Powerball?

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. Match just the Powerball number and you win $4.

When is the next Powerball draw?

The next Powerball Canada draw is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:59 PM ET. Ticket sales close approximately 9:57 PM ET. Powerball draws occur Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Is it safe to buy Powerball tickets online?

Yes, when using licensed platforms. XO Lotto uses secure Interac payments, stores tickets digitally, and handles prize claims. It’s safer than carrying a paper ticket across the border.

Has a Canadian ever won Powerball?

Canadians have won non-jackpot Powerball prizes. Any Canadian can play and claim prizes — there’s no citizenship requirement.

Related Guides

Play responsibly. 19+ only. Lottery is entertainment, not investment. If gambling isn’t fun anymore, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

]]>
Ontario Lottery Winners: Biggest Jackpots Ever https://xolotto.com/blog/ontario-lottery-winners/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 03:36:00 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5600 Quick Answer: Ontario lottery winners have claimed Canada’s largest jackpots. The biggest? David Hatt of Kingston won $75 million on Lotto Max in August 2025. From Lotto Max mega-jackpots to Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball wins, Ontario players have taken home hundreds of millions. Get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets at XO Lotto.

Ontario lottery winners make headlines more than any other province. With nearly 15 million residents buying tickets at gas stations, grocery stores, and online lottery platforms, the province accounts for roughly 40% of national lottery sales — and an outsized share of jackpot winners.

But who are these Ontario lottery winners? What did they win? And what happened after they claimed their prizes?

This guide ranks Ontario’s biggest lottery winners of all time — with the stories behind the numbers.

Ontario Lottery Winners: The Complete Ranked List

Ontario lottery winners moment of celebration

Here are the biggest Ontario lottery winners ever, ranked by prize amount:

RankWinnerAmountGameDateLocation
🥇 1David Hatt$75,000,000Lotto MaxAug 2025Kingston
🥈 2Kyle Murray & Jennifer Stuart-Flynn$70,000,000Lotto MaxAug 2024Iroquois Falls
🥉 3Bon Truong$60,000,000Lotto 6/49 Gold BallFeb 2025Toronto
4Brampton Ticket Holder$60,000,000Lotto MaxSept 2015Brampton
5Ottawa Co-workers (5 winners)$60,000,000Lotto MaxJune 2018Ottawa
6Juliette Gorham$48,000,000Lotto 6/49Feb 2023Eastern Ontario
7Bryan & Stephanie Cantwell$40,000,000Lotto MaxSept 2024Owen Sound
8Elizabeth Trafford$40,000,000Lotto MaxMar 2025Fergus
9Northern Ontario Retirees$34,000,000Lotto 6/492024Northern Ontario
10Order of Canada Recipient$25,000,000Lotto MaxMar 2025Ontario

Data compiled from OLG announcements as of December 2025. Some Ontario lottery winners chose limited publicity.

Ontario’s Record-Breaking Lotto Max Winners

Lotto Max has produced the largest Ontario lottery winners since replacing Super 7 in 2009. Here are the stories behind the biggest wins.

David Hatt — $75 Million (August 2025)

David Hatt of Kingston holds the record as the biggest Ontario lottery winner ever — and second-largest in Canadian history.

The married father of two almost missed his win entirely. The night before the August 19, 2025 draw, something told him to stop at a gas station and grab a quick pick. The next morning, waiting in a drive-thru line for coffee, he checked the OLG app.

“I thought I had won $75,000 at first — I thought that was awesome,” Hatt told OLG. “It wasn’t until I took a closer look that I noticed there were a lot more zeros.”

Hatt has assembled a team of financial advisors to manage the windfall. His priorities? Supporting family, giving back to Kingston charities, and — eventually — a new home and travel. Among Ontario lottery winners, his story stands out for the sheer scale of the jackpot.

Kyle Murray & Jennifer Stuart-Flynn — $70 Million (August 2024)

OLG winners checking lottery results on smartphone with shocked excited expression

The $70 million Lotto Max win by Kyle Murray and Jennifer Stuart-Flynn of Iroquois Falls is remarkable for one reason: it was their first lottery ticket ever.

Days after welcoming their newborn, Murray bought a Lotto Max ticket while picking up his mother from the Timmins airport. The young family from northern Ontario became instant multi-millionaires — and among the most talked-about Ontario lottery winners in recent memory.

“We went from new parents to $70-million richer in the span of a week,” Murray said.

Bryan & Stephanie Cantwell — $40 Million (September 2024)

The Cantwells of Owen Sound were part of Canadian lottery history — winning half of the first-ever $80 million Lotto Max jackpot.

Bryan bought the ticket from a Petro-Canada where a family friend works. When he scanned it at home, the OLG app showed “Big Winner” and “$40 million.”

“I went back to the winning ticket and scanned it again and again. I think I checked it seven or eight times,” Bryan said. He then barged into the bathroom to show Stephanie — while she was in the shower.

“I screamed!” she recalled.

Both showed up to work the next day. It lasted about five minutes before they left. The Cantwells joined a growing list of Ontario lottery winners who became millionaires overnight.

Historic Lotto 6/49 Winners in Ontario

While Lotto Max gets the headlines for massive jackpots, Lotto 6/49 has produced some of Ontario’s most memorable winners — including the province’s youngest major winner and the biggest Gold Ball jackpot in history.

Bon Truong — $60 Million Gold Ball (February 2025)

Toronto’s Bon Truong made history by winning the largest Lotto 6/49 jackpot ever — $60 million from the Gold Ball draw. He instantly became one of the most celebrated Ontario lottery winners of 2025.

The 26-year-old discovered his win while checking the OLG app. His reaction? Disbelief, followed by immediately calling his parents.

The Gold Ball feature, added to Lotto 6/49 in 2022, creates a guaranteed $1 million prize that rolls over until won — growing to massive amounts like Truong’s $60 million score.

Want to try the Gold Ball? Get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets when you sign up at XO Lotto.

Juliette Gorham — $48 Million (February 2023)

At just 18 years old, Juliette Gorham became the youngest person to win a major OLG jackpot when she claimed $48 million on Lotto 6/49. She remains the youngest among major Ontario lottery winners.

She bought her first legal lottery ticket shortly after her birthday. It turned out to be worth nearly fifty million dollars.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Gorham said at the OLG Prize Centre. Her plans included helping family, investing wisely, and — eventually — figuring out what to do with the rest of her life.

Why Lotto 6/49 Keeps Making Ontario Lottery Winners

Lotto 6/49 draws happen every Wednesday and Saturday. The game offers two ways to win big: the classic jackpot and the Gold Ball guaranteed prize.

The Gold Ball starts at $1 million and grows each draw until someone wins. Recent Gold Ball jackpots have reached $10 million, $20 million, and — in Bon Truong’s case — $60 million.

Odds of winning the Lotto 6/49 jackpot are approximately 1 in 14 million. Not great, but significantly better than Lotto Max’s 1 in 33 million odds — which is why Lotto 6/49 consistently produces Ontario lottery winners.

Ready to play? Claim 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets at XO Lotto — no purchase necessary.

Recent Ontario Lottery Winners and OLG Winners (2024-2025)

Ontario has seen a remarkable streak of major lottery wins in the past two years. Here’s a snapshot of recent OLG winners from across the province:

2025 Highlights:

  • $75M — David Hatt, Kingston (Lotto Max, August)
  • $60M — Bon Truong, Toronto (Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball, February)
  • $40M — Elizabeth Trafford, Fergus (Lotto Max, March)
  • $25M — Order of Canada recipient (Lotto Max, March)

2024 Highlights:

  • $70M — Kyle Murray & Jennifer Stuart-Flynn, Iroquois Falls (Lotto Max, August)
  • $40M — Bryan & Stephanie Cantwell, Owen Sound (Lotto Max, September)
  • $34M — Northern Ontario retirees (Lotto 6/49)

Ontario had 11 Lotto Max jackpot winners and 77 MaxMillions winners in 2024 alone. The province continues to lead Canada in major prize claims, producing more Ontario lottery winners than anywhere else in the country.

Check the latest lottery results to see if you’re holding a winning ticket.

How Ontario Lottery Winners Discovered They Won

OLG winners checking lottery results on smartphone with shocked excited expression

The moment of discovery is always unique. Here’s how some of the biggest Ontario lottery winners found out:

The Drive-Thru Check: David Hatt ($75M) scanned his ticket on the OLG app while waiting for morning coffee. “I thought I saw $75,000. Then I noticed more zeros.”

The Shower Interruption: Bryan Cantwell ($40M) barged into the bathroom to show his wife Stephanie the winning ticket — while she was mid-shower. She screamed.

The First Ticket: Kyle Murray ($70M) bought his first-ever lottery ticket. It won $70 million. He was picking up his mother from the airport to meet her new grandchild.

The Youngest Winner: Juliette Gorham ($48M) bought her first legal ticket days after turning 18. It was worth $48 million.

The Lesson? Check your tickets. Every single one. Use the OLG app or visit a retailer. Many Ontario lottery winners almost missed their jackpots.

What Ontario Lottery Winners Did With Their Money

Recent lottery winners ontario check results on tablet with coffee and lottery tickets

Winning changes everything — but how exactly? Here’s what Ontario’s biggest lottery winners planned (or did) with their jackpots:

David Hatt ($75M):

  • Hired financial advisors and lawyers
  • Plans to support family and Kingston charities
  • “Reaching as many people as possible for the longest amount of time”

Bryan & Stephanie Cantwell ($40M):

  • Bryan bought a new motorcycle (his old one was damaged in an accident)
  • Planning extensive travel to warm destinations
  • Stephanie: “I am the budget queen — we need to be careful”

Kyle Murray & Jennifer Stuart-Flynn ($70M):

  • Securing their newborn’s future
  • Supporting extended family

Common Themes Among Ontario Lottery Winners:

  • Take time before making decisions (weeks to months)
  • Assemble a professional team (lawyer, accountant, financial advisor)
  • Help family first
  • Give to community causes
  • Travel (eventually)
  • Don’t quit your job immediately — many showed up to work the next day

How to Check If You’re an Ontario Lottery Winner

Think you might be holding a winning ticket? Here’s how Ontario lottery winners verify their prizes:

Option 1: OLG App Download the official OLG app, scan your ticket’s barcode, and get instant results. This is how David Hatt discovered his $75 million win.

Option 2: Retailer Check Bring your ticket to any lottery retailer. They’ll scan it and tell you if you’ve won.

Option 3: Online Results Check lottery results online and compare your numbers manually.

Option 4: XO Lotto Account If you play through XO Lotto, your tickets are stored digitally. Winnings are automatically credited to your account — no checking required.

Important: Keep your ticket safe. Sign the back immediately. Tickets are bearer instruments — whoever holds the ticket can claim the prize.

Playing Lottery Online in Ontario

Ontario residents can play Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and other national lotteries through licensed online platforms. Many recent Ontario lottery winners bought their tickets online.

Why Play Online?

  • Never lose a ticket (stored digitally)
  • Automatic win notifications
  • Play from anywhere in Ontario
  • Access to international lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions

XO Lotto Welcome Offer: New players can get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets — the same game that made Bon Truong ($60M) and Juliette Gorham ($48M) millionaires.

Deposits and withdrawals are handled through Interac e-Transfer in Canadian dollars. Sign up takes under two minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest lottery win in Ontario history?

David Hatt of Kingston won $75 million on Lotto Max in August 2025 — the largest lottery prize ever claimed in Ontario. He’s also the second-biggest lottery winner in Canadian history, behind an $80 million winner from British Columbia.

Who won the 40 million Lotto Max in Ontario?

Two couples won $40 million in Ontario in recent years. Bryan and Stephanie Cantwell of Owen Sound claimed $40 million in September 2024 (half of the historic $80 million draw). Elizabeth Trafford of Fergus won $40 million in March 2025.

Who won the $70 million Lotto Max?

Kyle Murray and Jennifer Stuart-Flynn of Iroquois Falls won $70 million in the August 20, 2024 Lotto Max draw. Remarkably, it was their first-ever lottery ticket purchase — bought just days after welcoming their newborn.

Can I remain anonymous if I win the lottery in Canada?

In Ontario, OLG requires winners of prizes over $10,000 to provide identification. Your name, city, and photo may be used in publicity. However, you can request limited publicity, and some Ontario lottery winners have successfully maintained relative privacy. Consult a lawyer before claiming large prizes.

Who was the youngest lottery winner in Ontario?

Juliette Gorham won $48 million on Lotto 6/49 in February 2023 at age 18 — making her the youngest major OLG jackpot winner. She bought her first legal lottery ticket shortly after her birthday.

Has anyone won the $1,000 a day for life in Canada?

Yes. OLG’s “Set For Life” instant ticket game offers a $1,000/day prize. Multiple Ontario residents have won this prize, which pays out $7,000 per week ($364,000 annually) for 25 years.

How do I claim a lottery prize in Ontario?

Prizes up to $999.90 can be claimed at any retailer. Prizes from $1,000 to $49,999.90 can be claimed at OLG Prize Centres or by mail. Prizes of $50,000 or more must be claimed in person at an OLG Prize Centre in Toronto or Sault Ste. Marie. Bring valid government ID.

What are the odds of winning Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49?

Lotto 6/49 jackpot odds are approximately 1 in 14 million. Lotto Max jackpot odds are approximately 1 in 33 million. Both games offer secondary prizes with better odds.

Could You Be the Next Ontario Lottery Winner?

Ontario lottery winners all have one thing in common: they bought a ticket.

David Hatt stopped at a gas station on a whim. Kyle Murray grabbed his first-ever ticket while picking up his mom. Juliette Gorham bought hers days after turning 18.

None of them expected to win. All of them did.

Get 2 free Lotto 6/49 tickets at XO Lotto and see if you’re the next Ontario lottery winner on this list. No purchase required — just sign up, claim your tickets, and check the results after the next draw.

Related Guides

Play responsibly. 19+ only. Lottery odds vary by game — see official rules. If gambling isn’t fun anymore, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

]]>
Lotto Max Winner Toronto: GTA Jackpot Stories https://xolotto.com/blog/lotto-max-winner-toronto/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 03:06:39 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5591 Quick Answer: Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area have produced some of Canada’s biggest Lotto Max winners. In 2024-2025 alone, Lotto Max winner Toronto stories include GTA residents who claimed over $380 million in jackpots — including a five-person office pool that split $60 million.

Get Your Free Lotto Max Ticket at XO Lotto Play from anywhere in the GTA. No store visit needed. Interac deposits accepted.

The GTA is lottery winner central. From Etobicoke to Scarborough, Mississauga to Markham, regular Canadians are turning $5 Quick Picks into life-changing millions.

This guide profiles every major Lotto Max winner from Toronto and the surrounding area, reveals where the winning tickets were sold, and shows you how to get your own tickets for the next draw.

Recent Lotto Max Winners from Toronto and the GTA

Ontario Lotto Max winner holding fan of lottery tickets with Canadian dollar bills falling around them

Toronto-area players don’t just win occasionally — they win big and they win often. Ontario saw a record-breaking 11 Lotto Max jackpot wins in 2024, totalling $525 million in prizes. A significant chunk went to GTA residents.

Here are the biggest recent winners:

Gregory (Greg) Chialtas — $70 Million (Toronto)

Gregory Chialtas of Toronto won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot from the April 19, 2024 draw. The single father bought his winning ticket at Sheppard Ticket Centre inside Yonge-Sheppard Centre while out getting groceries.

Unlike most winners who use Quick Pick, Chialtas chose numbers meaningful to his children, siblings, and other family members.

When he checked his ticket, he initially thought he’d only matched three numbers. “That’s when I realized I was looking at the numbers from the wrong draw date. So, I went back to find the results from the April 19th LOTTO MAX draw and that’s when I saw I matched all seven numbers. I was in total shock!”

His plans? Take care of his “Big Greek Family” and adopt a rescue dog.

Mohit Sharma — $65 Million (Etobicoke)

Mohit Sharma of Etobicoke claimed a $65 million Lotto Max jackpot in June 2025 from a ticket purchased in October 2024. The IT consultant bought his winning ticket at Lakeshore Mini Mart on Lakeshore Boulevard West.

Sharma started playing during the pandemic as a weekly routine. He always chose Quick Pick — letting the computer select his numbers.

“I don’t pick the numbers, so knowing that a random number the lottery computer picked for me was the winner and my name was on that ticket is just unbelievable,” Sharma told OLG.

His plans? Travel on the world’s most famous trains — the Japanese Shinkansen, Australia’s Indian Pacific, and the Orient Express.

Mark Hanley — $65 Million (Newmarket)

Mark Hanley of Newmarket claimed a $65 million jackpot from the March 28, 2025 draw. The long-time player had been buying tickets for over 30 years.

When he discovered the win, he yelled “touchdown!” and started jumping for joy.

The GTA Five — $60 Million Split (Multiple GTA Locations)

Five co-workers from across the GTA split a $60 million jackpot in January 2025 — the first Lotto Max jackpot win in Ontario that year. Each walked away with $12 million.

The winners:

  • Trang Pham — Mississauga
  • Suong Tran — Mississauga
  • Phong Phan — Brampton
  • Thuc Le — Toronto
  • Zou Hsieh — Scarborough

Pham purchased the ticket at Giant Tiger on Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke to celebrate Lunar New Year. The winning numbers were 13, 15, 21, 35, 36, 42, and 47.

“About a week before Lunar New Year, I was buying creamer for the office and thought I’d pick up a ticket for the group,” Pham said.

Hsieh, the oldest member, announced immediate retirement: “Last year, I was worried about retiring, but now I don’t have to.”

Laurene Shail & Doltan Hawk — $55 Million (Milton)

Laurene Shail and Doltan Hawk of Milton won the $55 million Lotto Max jackpot from the June 14, 2024 draw. The couple had been playing together for 25 years since Lotto Max launched in 2009.

Hawk checked their ticket using the OLG app the morning after the draw. “I didn’t know what I was seeing, so I called out for Laurene,” he said. “I was checking to see the number of winning tickets and said, ‘It can’t be!'”

Both decided to retire immediately. Their winning ticket was purchased at Convenience 4U on Wilson Drive in Milton.

Bernard White — $40 Million (Oshawa)

Bernard White, a 79-year-old retired railway worker from Oshawa, won $40 million from the February 21, 2025 draw. He bought the winning ticket at Shell gas station on Taunton Road East.

White has a tradition of buying two tickets weekly — one for himself and one for his daughter, letting her pick which one she wants. “This time, she picked the wrong one,” he said with a smirk.

His daughter woke him up thinking he’d won $40,000. Minutes later, she knocked again: “Dad, I think you won $40 million!”

“I really wanted to jump out of bed, but I couldn’t because I sleep in the nude,” White laughed.

Charles Coffey — $25 Million (Toronto)

Charles “Charlie” Coffey won $25 million from the January 31, 2025 draw. The Toronto resident almost missed the win.

“I didn’t have my glasses on. I went back to check on what I thought was $25,000 and saw, with my glasses on, it was $25,000,000,” Coffey told OLG.

Toronto/GTA Lotto Max Winner Summary Table

WinnerAmountLocationDateTicket Sold
Gregory (Greg) Chialtas$70,000,000TorontoApr 2024Sheppard Ticket Centre, Yonge-Sheppard Centre
Mohit Sharma$65,000,000EtobicokeOct 2024Lakeshore Mini Mart
Mark Hanley$65,000,000NewmarketMar 2025Not disclosed
GTA Co-workers (5)$60,000,000Etobicoke/Mississauga/Brampton/Toronto/ScarboroughJan 2025Giant Tiger, Kipling Ave, Etobicoke
Laurene Shail & Doltan Hawk$55,000,000MiltonJun 2024Convenience 4U, Wilson Drive
Bernard White$40,000,000OshawaFeb 2025Shell, Taunton Road East
Charles Coffey$25,000,000TorontoJan 2025Not disclosed

Total GTA Winnings (2024-2025): $380 million

Which GTA Regions Win the Most?

Lotto Max jackpot winner group of coworkers celebrating together like the GTA Five who split $60 million

Not all parts of the GTA are equally lucky — or at least, the numbers suggest some areas produce more big winners than others.

According to OLG data from 2024-2025:

RegionTotal Major WinsBiggest Single Win
Toronto$95 million$70M (Greg Chialtas)
York Region$65 million$65M (Newmarket)
Peel Region$60 million+$12M per person (group win)
Halton Region$55 million$55M (Milton)
Durham Region$40 million$40M (Oshawa)

York Region leads the pack, followed closely by the City of Toronto. If you’re playing from Markham, Vaughan, or Richmond Hill, you’re in good company.

Where Lotto Max Winner Toronto Tickets Were Sold

Knowing where winners bought their tickets won’t improve your odds — every ticket has the same chance. But it’s fascinating to see which GTA retailers have produced millionaires:

Notable winning locations:

  • Giant Tiger, Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke — $60M winning ticket (Jan 2025)
  • Lakeshore Mini Mart, Lakeshore Blvd W, Etobicoke — $65M winning ticket (Oct 2024)
  • Sheppard Ticket Centre, Yonge-Sheppard Centre, Toronto — $70M winning ticket (Apr 2024)
  • Convenience 4U, Wilson Drive, Milton — $55M winning ticket (Jun 2024)
  • Shell, Taunton Road East, Oshawa — $40M winning ticket (Feb 2025)

The pattern? There isn’t one. Winners buy tickets at grocery stores, gas stations, and corner shops. The common thread is simply playing.

Of course, you don’t need to visit a store at all. You can buy Lotto Max tickets online from your couch, your commute, or your coffee break.

How to Play Lotto Max from Toronto

GTA lottery player checking Lotto Max results on smartphone with gold coins scattered nearby

Playing Lotto Max from anywhere in the GTA takes about two minutes online:

Step 1: Pick Your Platform

You have options. OLG.ca works if you’re physically in Ontario. But if you want access to international lotteries alongside Lotto Max — Powerball, Mega Millions, EuroMillions — XO Lotto gives you everything in one place.

Step 2: Choose Your Numbers

Pick 7 numbers from 1-50, or use Quick Pick and let the system choose. Most jackpot winners — including Mohit Sharma — use Quick Pick.

Step 3: Add Extras (Optional)

Consider adding ENCORE for an extra $1 per play. It’s a separate draw with prizes up to $1 million.

Step 4: Confirm and Pay

Interac e-Transfer makes deposits instant. CAD in, CAD out — no conversion headaches.

Step 5: Check Results

Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 PM ET. Check your numbers on the Lotto Max results page or set up notifications.

Get Your Lotto Max Tickets — Draws Tuesday & Friday Play online in under 2 minutes. Interac deposits. Instant ticket delivery.

Lotto Max Winner Toronto: What Happens After You Win

So you’ve matched all seven numbers. What now?

1. Sign the Ticket (If Paper)

If you bought a physical ticket, sign the back immediately. An unsigned ticket is a bearer instrument — whoever holds it can claim it.

Online players don’t have this problem. Your account is your proof.

2. Contact OLG or Your Platform

For prizes over $1,000, you’ll need to file a claim. OLG requires in-person validation at their Prize Centre for jackpots. Online platforms handle verification through your account.

3. Assemble Your Team

Every major Lotto Max winner Toronto story mentions the same thing: get professionals. Financial advisors, tax specialists (though Canadian lottery winnings are tax-free), estate lawyers.

Mohit Sharma said he was “confident that I put together a team of professionals to help me manage the $65 million.”

4. Decide on Publicity

Here’s something many people don’t realize: you cannot stay fully anonymous if you win a major OLG lottery in Ontario. OLG publishes winner names, cities, and prize amounts.

However, you control everything else — interviews, photos, and media appearances are optional.

5. Take Your Time

There’s no rush. You have one year from the draw date to claim your prize. The five GTA co-workers waited two months before going public. Sharma waited eight months.

Ontario Lotto Max Winner Odds: Your Real Chances

Let’s be honest about the math. Your odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are approximately 1 in 33.3 million.

To put that in perspective:

  • You’re more likely to be struck by lightning twice
  • You’re more likely to become a movie star
  • You’re more likely to be dealt a royal flush in poker… multiple times

But someone wins. In Ontario alone, 111 jackpots have been claimed since Lotto Max launched in 2009. The GTA accounts for a disproportionate share — partly because more people live here, partly because more tickets get sold here.

The only guarantee? You can’t win if you don’t play.

For better odds with instant results, check out XO Lotto’s scratch cards — RTPs of 85-95% and prizes revealed in seconds.

Why Toronto Players Are Going Online

Toronto lottery player checking Lotto Max app on phone by window with winter snow outside

The GTA is Canada’s most connected region. Commuters spend hours on the TTC, GO Transit, and the 401. Standing in line at a convenience store for lottery tickets feels increasingly outdated.

Online lottery play offers:

Convenience Buy tickets from your phone during your commute. No detours, no lines, no forgetting before the draw closes.

Never Miss a Draw Set up subscriptions for every Tuesday and Friday draw. Your numbers play automatically.

Instant Win Options Don’t want to wait until 10:30 PM? Scratch cards and keno deliver instant results.

Access to International Games Powerball jackpots routinely hit $500M+ USD. Mega Millions and EuroMillions offer even more chances. All available to Canadians through XO Lotto.

Secure Payouts Interac e-Transfer withdrawals hit your bank account within 24-48 hours. No lost tickets, no disputes.

Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49: Which Should Toronto Players Choose?

Both games are available to Ontario players. Here’s how they compare:

FeatureLotto MaxLotto 6/49
Max Jackpot$80 million$68 million (with Gold Ball)
Base Jackpot$10 million$5 million
Ticket Price$5 (3 plays)$3 (1 play)
DrawsTuesday & FridayWednesday & Saturday
Bonus FeatureMaxmillions ($1M prizes)Gold Ball Draw
Odds (Jackpot)1 in 33.3 million1 in 13.98 million

The verdict: Lotto Max offers bigger top prizes; Lotto 6/49 offers better odds. Many players buy both.

For the full breakdown, read our Lotto Max Canada: Complete Guide to Playing.

Get Your Lotto Max Ticket Before the Next Draw

The next Lotto Max jackpot is building. Tuesday and Friday draws mean two chances per week to join Toronto’s growing list of Lotto Max winner Toronto success stories.

You’ve read the stories. Mohit Sharma bought his ticket on a routine stop. The GTA Five grabbed theirs while shopping for creamer. Charlie Coffey almost missed his $25 million because he wasn’t wearing his glasses.

The common thread? They played.

Get Your Free Lotto Max Ticket at XO Lotto New to XO Lotto? Play Lotto Max online from anywhere in the GTA. CAD deposits and withdrawals via Interac. Results delivered to your phone.

Who won Lotto Max in Toronto recently?

The most recent major Lotto Max winner from Toronto is Mohit Sharma of Etobicoke, who claimed $65 million in June 2025. Five GTA co-workers also split a $60 million jackpot in January 2025, with winners from Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, and Brampton.

Can you stay anonymous if you win Lotto Max in Ontario?

No. OLG publishes winner names, cities, and prize amounts for major wins. However, participation in media events, photos, and interviews is voluntary. You control your public exposure beyond the basic announcement.

Where was the $60 million Lotto Max ticket sold in Toronto?

The $60 million winning ticket was sold at Giant Tiger on Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke in January 2025. It was purchased by a group of five co-workers who split the prize equally.

How do I claim Lotto Max winnings in Ontario?

For prizes under $1,000, any lottery retailer can pay you. For prizes between $1,000 and $49,999.90, visit an OLG Prize Centre or mail your claim. Jackpots require in-person validation at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. Online players receive winnings directly to their accounts.

What are the odds of winning Lotto Max?

The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are approximately 1 in 33.3 million. However, smaller prizes have better odds — Match 6 is about 1 in 99,768, and Match 5 is about 1 in 1,584.

How much tax do Lotto Max winners pay in Canada?

Zero. Lottery winnings in Canada are not taxable income. Your $60 million jackpot is $60 million in your pocket. However, investment income earned on your winnings is taxable.

Can I play Lotto Max online from Toronto?

Yes. Ontario residents can play through OLG.ca or through licensed platforms like XO Lotto. Online play offers convenience, automatic number checking, and access to international lotteries.

What is the biggest Lotto Max jackpot ever won in Ontario?

The largest Lotto Max jackpot won in Ontario was $75 million, claimed by David Hatt of Kingston in October 2025. Multiple $70 million wins have been claimed in the GTA, including by Gregory Chialtas of Toronto in 2024.

Related Guides

Play responsibly. 19+ only. If gambling isn’t fun anymore, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

Follow XO Lotto on Facebook, Instagram, and X for jackpot updates and winner announcements.

]]>
Lotto Max Winner Alberta: Biggest Wins & Stories https://xolotto.com/blog/lotto-max-winner-alberta/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 02:07:14 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5580 Quick Answer: The biggest Lotto Max winner from Alberta is Brian Hoover, who won $70 million in January 2024. December 2024 saw another Albertan claim $40 million. Chase the next jackpot: Play Lotto Max at XO Lottonew players get a free ticket.

Alberta punches above its weight when it comes to lottery wins. In 2024 alone, the province saw 55 millionaire wins totalling $237.3 million, according to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). The biggest Lotto Max winner Alberta produced that year took home $70 million — the maximum jackpot available at the time.

This guide covers every major Lotto Max winner from Alberta — the stories behind their wins, how they discovered their life-changing tickets, and what they did with the money. Plus, how you can play for the next jackpot from anywhere in the province through XO Lotto’s lottery platform.

Alberta Lotto Max Winners: Complete Summary

Here’s a look at Alberta’s biggest Lotto Max winners and lottery jackpot wins:

WinnerPrizeGameDraw DateLocationStory
Brian Hoover$70,000,000Lotto MaxJan 16, 2024BeaverlodgeDedicated win to late wife
Unknown$40,000,000Lotto MaxDec 3, 2024Outside Calgary/EdmontonSplit $80M jackpot with Quebec
James Jutzi$66,000,000Lotto 6/49 Gold BallJune 15, 2024CalgaryQuit job immediately
Brett McCoy & Robin Walker$60,000,000Lotto MaxSept 22, 2017Peers (Yellowhead County)Alberta’s largest at the time
Austria, Perkins & Wall$50,000,000Lotto 6/49 Gold BallDec 9, 2023Calgary3 friends, 17 years playing together

These five wins alone total over $286 million going to Alberta residents. And those are just the headline jackpots — hundreds of smaller millionaire prizes have been claimed across Calgary, Edmonton, and rural Alberta.

$70 Million: Brian Hoover’s “Bittersweet” Win (January 2024)

Alberta lotto max winners discovery moment inside small-town hardware store like Beaverlodge where Brian Hoover won

The biggest Lotto Max winner in Alberta history is Brian Hoover from Beaverlodge, a small town in the Grande Prairie region of northern Alberta.

Hoover matched all seven numbers on the January 16, 2024 draw — 2, 9, 10, 14, 42, 43, and 44 — to claim the full $70 million jackpot. At the time, $70 million was the maximum prize offered on any Canadian lottery game.

But for Hoover, the win was “bittersweet.”

He and his late wife had spent years joking about what they’d do if they won the lottery. She passed away before they could share that dream together. After claiming his prize, Hoover told WCLC he intended to honour her memory.

“We always talked about what we would do if we won the lottery,” Hoover said at his prize claim. “I’m determined to bring some of those ideas to life in her memory.”

His plans included naming a park after his wife and sponsoring local school programs. He also mentioned helping his three children and potentially buying a motorhome to visit a friend in the Yukon.

Hoover purchased his winning ticket at Ace Hardware in Beaverlodge — proof that jackpot-winning tickets don’t only come from big-city retailers. His story remains the benchmark for any future Lotto Max winner Alberta might celebrate.

$40 Million: December 2024’s Lotto Max Winner Alberta Claimed

The most recent major Lotto Max winner from Alberta claimed their prize on December 3, 2024.

That draw featured an $80 million jackpot — the maximum after Lotto Max increased its cap in September 2024. Two tickets matched all seven numbers (9, 14, 21, 26, 29, 32, and 41), splitting the prize between Alberta and Quebec.

The Alberta winner, whose identity hasn’t been publicly revealed as of this writing, purchased their ticket somewhere in the province outside of Calgary and Edmonton. They walked away with $40 million.

The same draw also saw two other Albertans win EXTRA prizes: one matched all seven digits for $250,000, and another matched six for $100,000.

Want to be ready for the next big jackpot? You can play Lotto Max online through XO Lotto without visiting a retailer. Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday.

$60 Million: The “Count the Zeros” Couple (September 2017)

Alberta lottery winners couple checking lottery tickets by fireplace in cozy winter cabin with snow outside

Before Brian Hoover’s record-setting win, Alberta’s largest Lotto Max winner was actually a couple: Brett McCoy and Robin Walker from Peers, a hamlet about 35 kilometres northeast of Edson in Yellowhead County.

The couple matched all seven Lotto Max numbers on the September 22, 2017 draw to win $60 million — the sole winning ticket sold across Canada that night.

Their discovery story became local legend.

Walker had stopped at McLeod Trading Post to buy chicken feed. On a whim, she grabbed their lottery tickets from the glove compartment and scanned them.

“A whole bunch of numbers came up on the screen,” Walker recalled. “I thought, ‘That can’t be right.’ So I scanned the ticket again.”

She called McCoy inside. “I’m like, ‘Brett, get in here. You got to see this. We won $60,000.'”

The store clerk looked at her and said: “Robin, you have to count the zeros.”

It wasn’t $60,000. It was $60,000,000.

McCoy, a pipeliner, joked at the press conference that Walker “can buy all the chickens she wants now.”

$66 Million: Alberta Lottery Winner James Jutzi Quits His Job (June 2024)

Calgary lottery winner on phone telling boss about jackpot win with confident smile like James Jutzi $66 million

While technically a Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball win rather than Lotto Max, Calgary’s James Jutzi deserves mention among Alberta lottery winners for his record-breaking $66 million jackpot on June 15, 2024.

It was the largest Lotto 6/49 prize ever won in Western Canada.

Jutzi, a longtime handyman, knew exactly what to do when he found out. The first person he called was his boss.

“He thought I was lying,” Jutzi laughed. “He asked if I could come into work. I said: ‘No.'”

His philosophy was simple: “I’ve been working as a handyman since I was a kid. When I found out I’d won, I said, ‘That’s it! No more work!'”

Jutzi’s win reminded Albertans that massive jackpots can happen right here — and that having a plan for that phone call to your boss isn’t such a bad idea. You can check Lotto 6/49 results alongside Lotto Max draws.

$50 Million: Three Alberta Lottery Winners Who Played for 17 Years (December 2023)

Lotto max winners Alberta friends celebrating in Calgary coffee shop holding lottery tickets together

Carmen Austria, Gary Perkins, and Catherine Wall — three Calgary friends and former coworkers — proved that patience pays off when they split a $50 million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot in December 2023.

The trio had been buying tickets together for 17 years.

“Buying tickets was just a fun thing for us to do,” Perkins said. “Winning together is what makes it so special.”

Each walked away with approximately $16.6 million after Austria purchased the winning $10 ticket at Scenic Acres Husky in Calgary.

Their reaction? Immediate action.

“I wasted no time,” Perkins said. “I was at the Ford dealership the next day. Got a new truck eight days later.”

Wall described the emotional rollercoaster: “I don’t think anything prepares you for that much emotion. And now, I just feel happy and grateful.”

When asked to sum up how winning $50 million feels, all three agreed: “Freedom, peace, and joy.”

Their win made history as the first Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot ever won in Alberta — and in the entire Prairies.

Alberta Lottery Stats: 2024 Lotto Max Winners & More

Lotto Max winner Alberta infographic with Alberta map silhouette showing lottery winner locations and prize amounts

According to WCLC’s year-end report, 2024 was exceptional for Alberta lottery players. The province crowned multiple Lotto Max winners, with Alberta contributing significantly to Canada’s lottery success stories:

Metric2024 Total
Millionaire wins in Alberta55
Total prize money to Albertans$237.3 million
Calgary wins22 prizes ($108.3M)
Edmonton wins12 prizes ($23M+)
Largest single prize$70M (Beaverlodge)

The province’s 55 new millionaires were part of 85 total millionaire wins across Western and Northern Canada in 2024. Check all lottery results to see the latest winning numbers.

How to Become the Next Lotto Max Winner Alberta Celebrates

You don’t need to visit a gas station to play Lotto Max. Albertans 18+ can purchase tickets online through platforms like XO Lotto.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit XO Lotto’s sign-up page and register. It takes about two minutes. New players can get a free Lotto Max ticket just for signing up.

Step 2: Pick Your Numbers

Choose seven numbers from 1-50, or let the system generate a Quick Pick. Each $5 play gets you three sets of numbers.

Step 3: Add EXTRA (Optional)

For an additional $1, add EXTRA for a chance at $250,000 by matching a 7-digit number.

Step 4: Confirm Before the Draw

Lotto Max draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 PM ET. Make sure your ticket is purchased before the cutoff.

Step 5: Check Results

XO Lotto notifies you automatically if you win. You can also check Lotto Max results on the site or browse all lottery results.

Playing online means no lost tickets, automatic number checking, and secure storage of your entries. If you match those winning numbers, you’ll know immediately.

Lotto Max Winner Alberta: What Happens When You Win

If you’re the next big Lotto Max winner in Alberta, here’s what to expect:

Claiming Your Prize

Prizes up to $1,000 can be claimed at any lottery retailer. For larger wins, you’ll contact WCLC’s Player Care line at 1-800-665-3313 to start your claim.

Jackpot winners typically visit WCLC headquarters for a formal prize claim interview. You have one year from the draw date to claim your prize.

Taxes on Lottery Winnings

Good news for Alberta lottery winners: lottery winnings are tax-free in Canada. That $70 million? You keep all $70 million.

However, any investment income earned on your winnings (interest, dividends, capital gains) is taxable going forward.

Staying Anonymous

In Alberta, lottery winners can choose whether to participate in publicity. Some winners, like Brian Hoover, share their stories publicly. Others, like the December 2024 $40 million Lotto Max winner Alberta produced, keep their identity private.

For more on what to expect, check out our guide on how to claim lottery winnings in Canada.

Lotto Max Odds: Your Real Chances of Becoming an Alberta Winner

Understanding the odds helps you play smarter — whether you dream of becoming the next Lotto Max winner Alberta celebrates.

PrizeMatchOdds
Jackpot ($10M-$80M)7/71 in 33,294,800
Second Prize (~$200K)6/7 + Bonus1 in 4,756,400
Third Prize (~$2,600)6/71 in 113,248
Any PrizeVarious1 in 7

Your overall odds of winning something are about 1 in 7. Not bad for a $5 ticket.

When the jackpot reaches $50 million, Maxmillions ($1 million supplementary prizes) are added to each draw. The December 2024 draw that paid out a Lotto Max winner in Alberta had 29 Maxmillions available.

For a deeper dive, read our Lotto Max odds explainer.

Ready to Play for the Next Alberta Jackpot?

Every Lotto Max winner from Alberta started with a ticket. Brian Hoover bought his at a hardware store. The McCoy-Walker couple grabbed theirs while buying chicken feed. James Jutzi picked his up somewhere in Calgary.

The next draw could change your life.

Sign up at XO Lotto and get a free Lotto Max ticket to start. Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday — with jackpots that can reach $80 million.

Check the current Lotto Max jackpot and play from anywhere in Alberta. No retailer visit required. Learn more about XO Lotto and why thousands of Canadians trust us with their lottery plays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the biggest Lotto Max winner from Alberta?

Brian Hoover from Beaverlodge holds the record as the biggest Lotto Max winner Alberta has ever seen, winning $70 million on January 16, 2024. At the time, this was the largest prize offered on any Canadian lottery game. Hoover dedicated his win to his late wife and plans to honour her memory through community contributions.

Has anyone from Alberta won Lotto Max recently?

Yes. In December 2024, an Alberta ticket holder became the latest Lotto Max winner, claiming $40 million as part of an $80 million jackpot split with a Quebec winner. The ticket was purchased outside of Calgary and Edmonton. Two other Albertans won EXTRA prizes of $250,000 and $100,000 in the same draw.

Where was the $70 million Lotto Max winner from?

The $70 million Lotto Max winner was from Beaverlodge, Alberta — a small town in the Grande Prairie region of northern Alberta. Brian Hoover purchased his winning ticket at Ace Hardware in Beaverlodge.

How many lottery millionaires did Alberta have in 2024?

Alberta produced 55 new lottery millionaires in 2024, with total prize money of $237.3 million. Calgary accounted for 22 of those wins ($108.3 million), while Edmonton saw 12 winners claim over $23 million. This included multiple Lotto Max winners from Alberta.

Can I play Lotto Max online in Alberta?

Yes. Albertans 18+ can play Lotto Max online through XO Lotto. You can purchase tickets, check results, and manage your plays without visiting a physical retailer. New players can claim a free Lotto Max ticket when signing up.

Do you pay taxes on lottery winnings in Alberta?

No. Lottery winnings are tax-free in Canada, including Alberta. You keep the full jackpot amount. However, any investment income you earn on your winnings (interest, dividends) is subject to normal taxation.

What are the odds of winning Lotto Max?

The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are 1 in 33,294,800. However, your odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 7. When jackpots exceed $50 million, additional Maxmillions prizes ($1 million each) are added to the draw.

How long do I have to claim a Lotto Max prize in Alberta?

You have one year from the draw date to claim any lottery prize in Alberta as a Lotto Max winner.

Related Guides

Play responsibly. 19+ in most provinces (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec). If gambling stops being fun, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

]]>
Edmonton Lottery Winners: Local Jackpot Stories https://xolotto.com/blog/edmonton-lottery-winners/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:01:28 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5568 Quick Answer: Edmonton lottery winner stories read like fiction — a landscaper who sat on a $60 million ticket for 10 months, a man who checked his numbers over four days, and a newlywed who thought he won $100K when it was actually $1 million. These are real Edmonton residents who became instant millionaires playing Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max. Here’s what happened to them.

Edmonton has produced some of Canada’s biggest lottery winners. The city and surrounding area have seen over $100 million in major jackpot wins in recent years alone — from $1 million Gold Ball prizes to a massive $60 million Lotto Max jackpot that made national headlines. If you’re curious about how Lotto Max works, these local stories show exactly what’s possible.

What makes these stories compelling isn’t just the money. It’s the moments: the disbelief, the delayed reactions, the plans that changed overnight. Whether you’re curious about local winners or dreaming about your own jackpot, these Edmonton lottery winner stories show what really happens when ordinary Albertans hit extraordinary numbers.

New to XO Lotto? Sign up and get a free Lotto Max ticket — no deposit required. Pick your numbers and enter the next draw.

Edmonton Lottery Winners: Complete Summary Table

Before diving into the stories, here’s every major Edmonton-area lottery winner covered in this article:

WinnerAmountGameYearNotable Detail
Bon Truong$60,000,000Lotto Max2018Waited 10 months to claim
Thanh Lu$30,000,000Lotto 6/492025Checked ticket over 4 days
Raymond Mussell$7,935,987Lotto 6/492023St. Albert resident
Dianne Morgan$5,000,000Lotto 6/492025Largest Play Alberta online win
Kerry McIntosh$5,000,000Lotto 6/492024Edmontonian
Judy & Dennis Korop$1,000,000Lotto 6/492025Almost missed claim deadline
Bao Tran$1,000,000Lotto 6/492025Thought he won $100K
Combined Total: $109,935,987+Games: Lotto 6/49 & Lotto Max

Now let’s look at each story in detail.

Thanh Lu: The $30 Million Edmonton Lottery Winner Who Took His Time

Lotto 649 Edmonton winner carefully checking lottery ticket numbers at home

In February 2025, Edmonton resident Thanh Lu became one of Canada’s newest multimillionaires — but he didn’t rush to find out.

Lu heard on the news that someone in Edmonton had won the $30 million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot. He had a ticket. But instead of scanning it immediately, he took a more unusual approach.

“I took my ticket and checked the last two digits and put it away again,” Lu told the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. “I did the same thing each day, and after the fourth day, I had matched all the numbers and knew I had won.”

Four days. Two digits at a time. That’s patience most people couldn’t imagine with $30 million on the line.

When the final numbers matched, the reality hit. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was screaming and woke up the household.”

Lu purchased his winning ticket at Food Master M&M on 132nd Avenue NW in Edmonton. His plans? Leave Alberta entirely. “I want to get out of here,” he laughed when speaking with lottery officials. “I am thinking of moving to B.C. for nicer weather and property on the waterfront.”

He also mentioned donating to his local church. Before winning, Lu said even $250,000 would have been life-changing. “This is a big relief.”

Bon Truong: Edmonton’s $60 Million Lotto Max Winner Who Kept Quiet for 10 Months

The biggest Edmonton lotto winner story belongs to Bon Truong — a landscaper who sat on a $60 million winning ticket for nearly a year.

Truong, who came to Canada from Vietnam in the 1970s, played the same lottery numbers every week for over 30 years. On October 26, 2018, those numbers finally hit the Lotto Max jackpot.

He checked the ticket the next day. And then? He did nothing. For 305 days.

“I did a lot of thinking,” Truong said at his prize claim ceremony in August 2019. He told his wife immediately that he’d won the lottery — but left out one small detail. He didn’t mention it was the $60 million jackpot.

His three children? They weren’t told at all. “I don’t want to let them know yet,” Truong laughed at the press conference. “Right now, I keep quiet.”

Winners in Canada have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. Truong cut it close — but eventually collected his cheque at Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis headquarters in St. Albert.

His $60 million win ties as the largest Lotto Max prize ever claimed in Edmonton. The other $60 million winner? Robin Walker and Brett McCoy of Peers, Alberta, who won in September 2017.

Truong’s immediate plans were modest: pay off his mortgage and take his family on vacation. “I’m not sure where just yet. I think we’ll try to go everywhere.”

Bao Tran: The Edmonton Lottery Winner Who Miscounted the Zeroes

Sometimes the best Edmonton lottery winner stories come down to a simple misread.

In May 2025, Edmonton’s Bao Tran scanned his Lotto 6/49 ticket at a store and saw a big number. He was thrilled — $100,000 would change his life. He immediately told his friend the good news.

His friend looked closer. “No, this is $1 million.”

Tran had won the Gold Ball Guaranteed Prize on the May 21 draw. The winning number was 36342785-01. He’d bought the ticket at Hughes gas station on 97 Street in Edmonton.

“I was happy with the $100,000,” Tran said. “Now, I feel very happy.”

The timing was perfect. Tran had just gotten married in Vietnam and was planning how to surprise his new wife. A house and a new car moved to the top of the list.

The mix-up makes sense when you understand how Lotto 6/49 works. The Gold Ball draw has two possible outcomes: either you win the growing Gold Ball Jackpot (which can reach tens of millions) or you win the $1 million guaranteed prize. A white ball was drawn for Tran’s win — meaning $1 million, not the bigger jackpot.

Still, an extra $900,000 is the kind of mistake most people would love to make.

Lotto 649 Edmonton Winner Stories: The Pattern

Looking at recent Lotto 6/49 Edmonton winner cases, a few patterns emerge:

The Gold Ball is producing millionaires. Since Lotto 6/49 introduced the Gold Ball Jackpot in 2022, Edmonton has seen multiple million-dollar winners from this draw alone. The guaranteed $1 million prize creates more frequent big winners than the traditional jackpot.

Ticket checking habits vary wildly. Thanh Lu checked two digits per day. Judy and Dennis Korop waited months due to a health emergency. Bao Tran scanned immediately but misread the result. There’s no “right” way to check — but checking matters.

Local stores produce winners. Shoppers Drug Mart on Jasper Avenue, Hughes on 97 Street, Food Master M&M on 132nd Avenue — everyday Edmonton retailers sell million-dollar tickets regularly.

If you’re playing Lotto 6/49, you can check Lotto 6/49 results and purchase tickets online at XO Lotto — no misread zeroes, no lost tickets.

Judy and Dennis Korop: The Edmonton-Area Couple Who Almost Missed Their $1 Million

Not every lottery winner story has a happy scanning moment. For Judy and Dennis Korop, life got in the way of checking their ticket — and they almost missed the deadline.

The couple from Ashmont, about two hours northeast of Edmonton, bought a Lotto 6/49 ticket from Shoppers Drug Mart at 10405 Jasper Avenue NW in Edmonton. The January 18, 2025 draw made them millionaires.

But they didn’t find out for months.

“We’ve had other things on our mind,” Judy explained. Earlier in the year, Dennis had a major health incident. Checking lottery tickets wasn’t a priority.

It wasn’t until late 2025 — nearly a year after the draw — that they finally validated the ticket. Winning number: 26396197-01.

“This will allow us to take some time, though, pay some bills and think about it,” Judy said.

“We’re looking forward to breathing easier,” Dennis added.

Their story is a reminder: lottery winners have exactly one year from the draw date to claim prizes. Check your tickets — even old ones.

More Edmonton Lottery Winner Highlights

Beyond the headline-grabbing multimillion-dollar prizes, Edmonton and surrounding areas produce steady streams of significant winners:

Kerry McIntosh — $5 Million (2024)

Edmontonian Kerry McIntosh won $5 million on the March 2, 2024 Lotto 6/49 draw. The Classic Jackpot — which is always set at $5 million — went to a single ticket holder.

Dianne Morgan — $5 Million (2025)

St. Albert resident Dianne Morgan claimed what Play Alberta called its biggest-ever online win in May 2025. The retired travel agent initially thought she’d won $50. Then she looked again.

$5 million.

Morgan plans to return to her favourite European destinations — this time at her own pace, without working as a travel agent.

Raymond Mussell — $7.9 Million (2023)

Another St. Albert resident hit the jackpot on December 15, 2023. Raymond Mussell was one of two winners in that Lotto 6/49 draw, taking home $7,935,986.70.

Suryanarayana Bora — $7 Million (2016)

While technically a Daily Grand winner rather than Lotto 6/49 or Lotto Max, Bora’s win deserves mention. He won the “$1,000 a day for life” jackpot on November 10, 2016, but chose the lump sum option: $7 million.

Lotto Max Winner Edmonton: The $60 Million Club

Lotto Max winner Edmonton resident holding winning ticket with Canadian dollar bills nearby

Edmonton’s Lotto Max history includes some of the largest prizes in Canadian lottery history.

The $60 million won by Bon Truong in 2018 remains tied for the largest Lotto Max prize claimed in the Edmonton area. As of December 2025, Lotto Max jackpots can grow to $80 million before capping and creating additional Maxmillions prizes. Check the latest Lotto Max results to see if you’re the next Edmonton lottery winner.

Recent Lotto Max Edmonton-area wins also include:

  • A $15 million winning ticket sold in Edmonton in October 2025
  • Multiple Maxmillions prizes ($1 million each) sold throughout the city
  • A $355,000 second-prize ticket sold in Alberta in November 2024

The frequency of these wins isn’t coincidence. Edmonton’s population means more tickets sold — and statistically, more winners.

Want access to Lotto Max draws? Sign up and get a free Lotto Max ticket — no deposit required. Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday.

Where Edmonton Lottery Winners Buy Their Tickets

Location matters — at least psychologically. Here’s where some of Edmonton’s biggest winning tickets were purchased:

StoreAddressNotable Win
Shoppers Drug Mart10405 Jasper Avenue NW$1M (Korop, 2025)
Hughes Gas Station97 Street$1M (Tran, 2025)
Food Master M&M11332 132nd Avenue NW$30M (Lu, 2025)
Various Edmonton retailersMultiple locations$60M (Truong, 2018)

Of course, where you buy your ticket doesn’t affect your odds. Every ticket has the same chance regardless of retailer. But these stores have bragging rights — and likely some repeat customers hoping lightning strikes twice.

Alberta lottery winners couple holding lottery tickets together with joyful expressions

For those who prefer not to drive around searching for “lucky” retailers, online lottery purchases through XO Lotto offer the same games with added convenience. Your ticket is stored digitally, winnings credit automatically, and you’ll never lose a million-dollar piece of paper.

Alberta Lottery Winners: How Edmonton Compares

Edmonton isn’t Alberta’s only lottery hotspot, but it consistently produces major Edmonton lottery winner stories due to population size. The city’s track record rivals Calgary for total jackpot payouts.

Other notable Alberta lottery winners include:

  • Grande Prairie couple — Won $54 million on Lotto 6/49 in late 2024
  • Calgary-area winners — Multiple Lotto Max jackpots including $40 million+ prizes
  • Rural Alberta — Smaller towns regularly produce millionaires, including recent wins in Airdrie, Ashmont, and Spruce Grove

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) manages lottery games across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the territories. Edmonton falls under WCLC jurisdiction, meaning Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 are the primary jackpot games available.

You can also explore all lottery games available to Canadian players at XO Lotto, including international options like Powerball and Mega Millions.

What Edmonton Lottery Winners Do With Their Money

Based on public statements from Edmonton lottery winner interviews, here’s how locals typically plan to spend their winnings:

Most common plans:

Pay off mortgage and debt — Almost every winner mentions this first. Buy property — Houses, vacation homes, waterfront land in BC. Help family — Parents, relatives, children. Travel — Europe, “everywhere,” extended vacations. Donate — Churches, charities, community organizations. New vehicles — Cars, trucks.

What’s notable: Very few Edmonton lottery winner stories involve quitting jobs immediately. Bon Truong continued landscaping. Thanh Lu took time to think. Dianne Morgan planned trips but didn’t mention retirement parties.

The lesson? Even with millions, most winners approach their new reality carefully. And many — like the Korops — emphasize that the money provides “relief” rather than instant transformation.

Could You Be the Next Edmonton Lottery Winner?

Every Edmonton lottery winner in this article bought a ticket. That’s the only requirement.

If you’re in Alberta and want to play the same games that created these millionaires, you have options:

In-store: Purchase Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max tickets at any WCLC retailer across Edmonton.

Online: Play Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 through XO Lotto. Your tickets are stored digitally, results notify you automatically, and winnings deposit directly to your account. No lost tickets. No miscounted zeroes.

New players get a free Lotto Max ticket just for signing up at XO Lotto — no deposit required. Pick your seven numbers and enter the next draw in under two minutes.

The odds are the same either way. Lotto 6/49 jackpot odds are approximately 1 in 14 million. Lotto Max main jackpot odds are about 1 in 33 million. These are long shots — but somebody wins. As these Edmonton lottery winner stories prove, it happens to real Canadians playing routine games.

Looking for something different? Try online scratch cards with instant wins, or check out Keno for draws every few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 649 in Edmonton recently?

Several Edmonton-area residents have won Lotto 6/49 prizes in 2024-2025. Recent winners include Thanh Lu ($30 million, February 2025), Bao Tran ($1 million, May 2025), and Judy & Dennis Korop ($1 million, January 2025). Kerry McIntosh won $5 million in March 2024.

Who won the $60 million Lotto Max in Edmonton?

Bon Truong, an Edmonton landscaper, won the $60 million Lotto Max jackpot in October 2018. He famously waited 10 months to claim his prize and didn’t immediately tell his children about the win.

How much have Edmonton lottery winners won in total?

Major Edmonton lottery winners featured in this article have claimed over $109 million combined. This includes $60 million (Truong), $30 million (Lu), and multiple million-dollar Gold Ball and Classic Jackpot wins.

Where can I buy lottery tickets in Edmonton?

Lottery tickets are available at any WCLC retailer in Edmonton, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. You can also purchase Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 online at XO Lotto — new players get a free Lotto Max ticket with sign-up.

What happens if I win the lottery in Alberta?

Alberta lottery winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. For prizes over $10,000, you must claim in person at a WCLC prize office. Lottery winnings in Canada are tax-free at the federal level, meaning you keep the full amount.

How do I check if I won the lottery in Edmonton?

You can check lottery results at any WCLC retailer, on the WCLC website, through the WCLC app, or by calling 1-800-665-3313. If you purchase tickets through XO Lotto, you’ll receive automatic notifications when you win.

What are my odds of winning Lotto 6/49 or Lotto Max?

Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot odds are approximately 1 in 14 million. Lotto Max main jackpot odds are about 1 in 33 million. The Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball guaranteed $1 million prize has odds of 1 in the total number of selections sold for that draw.

Can I play Lotto Max online in Canada?

Yes. Canadians 19+ can purchase Lotto Max tickets online through XO Lotto. New players get a free Lotto Max ticket just for signing up — no deposit required.

Related Guides

Lottery games involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Play responsibly. 19+ only. If gambling isn’t fun anymore, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

]]>
Where Was Lotto Max Won? Ontario’s Biggest Jackpots https://xolotto.com/blog/where-was-lotto-max-won/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:56:45 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5529 Quick Answer: Canada’s biggest recent Lotto Max jackpots include the record $80 million in Surrey, BC (May 2025) and Ontario’s record $75 million in Kingston (August 2025). Ontario has produced the most major winners overall in 2025. Want your shot? Canadians 19+ can sign up at XO Lotto and get a free Lotto Max ticket to play the next draw.

Every Tuesday and Friday night, Canadians hold their breath. The Lotto Max numbers roll in. Someone, somewhere, just became a millionaire.

But where are these winners? Which cities produce the most jackpots? And what happens after you win?

Loading…
Lotto Max Jackpot
Next draw: Loading…
Play Lotto Max → Play →

This guide breaks down exactly where Lotto Max was won across Canada — with a focus on Ontario’s remarkable winning streak — plus what recent winners did with their prizes and how you can play Lotto Max online from anywhere in the country.

Where Was Lotto Max Won? Province-by-Province Breakdown

Understanding where was Lotto Max won helps you see the patterns across Canada. Winners come from every corner of the country, but some provinces hit jackpots far more often than others.

Here’s where the biggest Lotto Max prizes have been won:

ProvinceNotable WinsBiggest JackpotWin Frequency
Ontario6+ jackpots in 2025 alone$75 million (Kingston)Highest
British ColumbiaRecord $80M winner (May 2025)$80 million (Surrey)High
QuebecTrois-Rivières coworker group$70 millionModerate
AlbertaMultiple MaxMillions wins$65 millionModerate
Atlantic CanadaSteady MaxMillions claims$55 millionLower
Prairies (SK/MB)Saskatoon winners$50 millionLower

Ontario’s dominance isn’t surprising — it’s Canada’s most populous province. More tickets sold means more winners. But the concentration of major jackpots in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and Burlington stands out even when accounting for population.

Check the latest Lotto Max results after every draw to track where was Lotto Max won each time.

Ontario Lotto Max winners celebrating with raised arms holding lottery tickets and falling Canadian money

Ontario Lotto Max Winners: Recent Jackpot Stories

Ontario has been on fire. Here are the biggest recent Lotto Max winners from the province:

$75 Million — Kingston (August 2025)

The biggest Lotto Max win in Ontario history. A Kingston man discovered his winning ticket and immediately left a drive-thru line — breakfast could wait when you’ve got $75 million.

This single-ticket winner matched all seven numbers in the August 19, 2025 draw. He purchased the ticket at a local convenience store and plans to help family members while “figuring out what’s next.” The prize was claimed in October 2025.

$40 Million — Greater Toronto Area (October 2025)

Ontario’s sixth $40 million jackpot of the year went to a single ticket holder. The winning ticket was sold somewhere in the GTA, though the exact location wasn’t disclosed until the winner came forward.

Burlington Lottery Group (November 2025)

A group of coworkers from Burlington split a major Lotto Max prize after buying their ticket at a Metro grocery store. The group had been playing together for years — proof that lottery pools pay off.

Ottawa Encore Winners

Ottawa has produced multiple Encore winners alongside the main Lotto Max draws. Encore adds an extra $1 million prize opportunity for just $1 more per ticket.

These Ontario Lotto Max winners share a common thread: they bought tickets, checked their numbers, and claimed their prizes. Simple as that.

Ready to join them? Sign up at XO Lotto and get a free Lotto Max ticket — no purchase necessary to start.

Who Won the $80 Million Lotto Max? Canada’s Record Jackpot

The biggest Lotto Max jackpot ever — $80 million — wasn’t won in Ontario. It went to Surrey, British Columbia.

In May 2025, a Filipino-Canadian resident purchased the winning ticket at a local retailer. When the numbers came in, he matched all seven for the record-breaking prize.

His first move? Quit his job. His second? Hire a financial advisor.

The $80 million jackpot had rolled over multiple times before someone finally hit it. That’s how Lotto Max works — when no one wins, the prize grows. Jackpots start at $10 million and can climb to the $80 million cap, with additional $1 million MaxMillions prizes added along the way.

Where was this Lotto Max won specifically? A convenience store in Surrey, BC. The winner remained relatively private but did participate in BCLC’s winner announcement.

How $80 Million Compares to Other Big Wins

British Columbia and Ontario trade places at the top of Canada’s biggest lottery wins. Both provinces have produced multiple $50M+ winners in the past two years.

Where Was Lotto Max Won Recently? Complete 2024-2025 Winners

Beyond the headline-grabbing mega jackpots, Lotto Max creates millionaires every week through MaxMillions draws and secondary prizes.

Here’s an interactive breakdown showing where was Lotto Max won across Canada in recent draws:

DateProvinceCityAmountDetails
Nov 2025OntarioBurlington$1M+Coworker group — Metro
Oct 2025OntarioKingston$75M 🏆Single ticket — ON Record
Oct 2025OntarioGTA$40MSingle ticket
May 2025British ColumbiaSurrey$80M 🏆Single ticket — CA Record
Dec 2024BC / ONMultiple$80MSplit jackpot
2024QuebecTrois-Rivières$70MCoworker group
2024SaskatchewanSaskatoon$1MMaxMillions
2024OntarioLion’s Head$1M+Local winner

Last updated: December 2025. Check latest results →

The pattern is clear: Ontario and BC lead in major wins, but Lotto Max creates winners in every province. Check Lotto Max results after each draw to see the latest.

Biggest Lotto Max jackpot winner walking away from convenience store in Surrey rain with glowing ticket

Where Was Lotto Max Won Most Often? What the Data Shows

When people search where was Lotto Max won, they often wonder if certain locations are luckier. Here’s what the data actually says:

Spoiler: It doesn’t matter. Every ticket has the same odds regardless of where you buy it.

That said, certain patterns emerge in where Lotto Max was won over time:

High-Traffic Retailers Win More Often

Gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores in busy areas sell more tickets — so they produce more winners. It’s pure math, not luck.

Urban Areas Dominate

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa produce the most winners simply because they sell the most tickets. A corner store in downtown Toronto moves more Lotto Max tickets in a week than a rural gas station sells in a month.

Online Purchases Are Growing

More Canadians buy lottery tickets online through platforms like XO Lotto. Online winners are tracked differently, but the convenience factor keeps growing. No lost tickets, instant number selection, and automatic prize notifications.

The Real Insight

Where Lotto Max was won tells you where tickets were sold — nothing more. The winning numbers are drawn randomly. A ticket from Kingston has identical odds to one from Vancouver.

What actually matters? Playing consistently and checking your numbers after every draw.

Lotto Max winners Ontario — man in car abandoning drive-thru line while checking winning lottery ticket

How to Play Lotto Max From Anywhere in Canada

You don’t need to live in Ontario to win like Ontario. Lotto Max tickets are available nationwide — including online with a free ticket to start.

Get Your Free Lotto Max Ticket

Step 1: Sign Up at XO Lotto

Create your account at XO Lotto in about two minutes. Just email, password, and age verification (19+ in most provinces).

Step 2: Claim Your Free Ticket

New players get a free Lotto Max ticket just for signing up. No purchase required — pick your numbers and you’re in the next draw. Ready to add more entries? Deposit with Interac in seconds.

Step 3: Select Your Numbers

Head to the Lotto Max page and choose seven numbers from 1 to 50. Use Quick Pick for random selection or pick your own lucky numbers.

Step 4: Add Encore (Optional)

For $1 extra, add Encore for a shot at an additional $1 million prize. Many Ontario Lotto Max winners also hit Encore.

Step 5: Check Results

After every Tuesday and Friday draw, check Lotto Max results. Winners are notified automatically via email — you’ll never miss a win.

Claim your free Lotto Max ticket now — the next draw is days away.

Can You Stay Anonymous If You Win Lotto Max?

One of the most common questions after “where was Lotto Max won” is whether winners can stay anonymous.

The short answer: Full anonymity is rare. Most provinces require releasing your name and general location. Here’s what to expect:

Anonymity Rules by Region

RegionAnonymity Allowed?What’s Required
Ontario (OLG)PartialName released, photo optional
British Columbia (BCLC)PartialName and general location released
Quebec (Loto-Québec)PartialName released, can limit publicity
Atlantic (ALC)PartialName and region typically released
Western (WCLC)PartialName and city released

Most Canadian lottery corporations require releasing the winner’s name and general location for transparency. However, you can typically decline extensive media coverage, photos, and detailed interviews.

Privacy Tips for Winners

  1. Claim through a trust or corporation — Consult a lawyer before claiming
  2. Limit social media — Don’t announce your win publicly
  3. Use a financial advisor — They can help structure your claim
  4. Take your time — You typically have one year to claim prizes

The $75 million Kingston winner participated in OLG’s announcement but kept details minimal. The $80 million BC winner also maintained relative privacy while completing required disclosure.

What Lotto Max Winners Actually Do With Their Money

Beyond where Lotto Max was won, people want to know: what do winners do next?

Based on public interviews and winner stories:

Common First Moves

  • Pay off the mortgage — Almost universal among winners
  • Help family — Parents, siblings, children get financial support
  • Quit work — Not always immediately, but eventually
  • Hire professionals — Financial advisors, lawyers, accountants
  • Travel — After the dust settles

What Winners Say

The Kingston $75M winner said he’d “take care of family first.” The Burlington group talked about retirement plans and helping their kids. The Surrey $80M winner quit his job within weeks.

Most winners don’t blow through their money. Canadian lottery winners tend to be surprisingly practical — perhaps because there’s no federal tax on lottery winnings in Canada. Curious what you’d do with $70 million? See our breakdown of outrageous ways to spend a Lotto Max jackpot.

The Financial Reality

A $75 million Lotto Max jackpot in Canada is $75 million in your pocket. Canadian lottery winnings are generally not subject to federal or provincial income tax — though any interest or investment income earned on those winnings is taxable.

That’s a major advantage over American lottery winners, who typically lose 30-40% to taxes upfront.

Note: If you play foreign lotteries like Powerball or Mega Millions, different tax rules may apply, including U.S. withholding taxes. Playing Canadian lotteries through XO Lotto keeps things simple — Canadian lottery winnings stay tax-free.

Where was Lotto Max won infographic with stylized Canadian map and golden jackpot pin markers

Lotto Max Odds: Understanding Your Chances

Knowing where was Lotto Max won is interesting, but understanding your actual odds is practical.

Lotto Max Odds Breakdown

PrizeMatchOdds
Jackpot7/71 in 33,294,800
$1M MaxMillions7/7 (bonus draw)1 in 33,294,800 per selection
Second Prize6/7 + Bonus1 in 4,756,400
Third Prize6/71 in 113,248
Fourth Prize5/7 + Bonus1 in 37,749
Fifth Prize5/71 in 1,841
Free Play3/7, 4/7, etc.Various

Your odds of winning something are about 1 in 7. Your odds of the jackpot? Much longer. But someone wins eventually — that’s why tracking where Lotto Max was won matters to players across Canada.

Better Odds Than American Lotteries

Lotto Max odds (1 in 33 million) are significantly better than Powerball (1 in 292 million) or Mega Millions (1 in 302 million). For a realistic shot at a life-changing jackpot, Lotto Max offers better math.

Compare your options at XO Lotto: Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49 vs Powerball vs Mega Millions.

How to Claim Lotto Max Winnings in Ontario (and Beyond)

If you’re researching where was Lotto Max won because you might have won, here’s how to claim:

For Ontario Winners (OLG)

Prize AmountHow to Claim
Up to $999.90Any lottery retailer
$1,000 – $49,999.90OLG Prize Centre or mail
$50,000+OLG Prize Centre in Toronto (appointment recommended)

General Claim Process

  1. Sign your ticket immediately — Before doing anything else
  2. Verify your numbers — Check official results at Lotto Max results
  3. Contact the lottery corporation — OLG, BCLC, WCLC, etc.
  4. Bring ID — Government-issued photo ID required
  5. Decide on publicity — Discuss options with lottery officials
  6. Receive your prize — Cheque or direct deposit

For Online Players

If you play through XO Lotto, smaller prizes credit automatically to your account. Larger prizes involve verification, but no physical ticket means no risk of losing your winner.

Get Your Free Lotto Max Ticket Today

Where was Lotto Max won last? Ontario and BC dominated. Where will it be won next? That depends on who’s playing.

Ontario has been hot. BC broke the record. Quebec’s coworkers proved groups can win.

New to XO Lotto? Sign up and get a free Lotto Max ticket — no deposit required. Pick your seven numbers, enter the next draw, and see if you become the next winner story.

Already playing? Check the current jackpot and draw schedule on the Lotto Max page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the Lotto Max ticket sold for the biggest jackpot?

The biggest Lotto Max jackpot ever — $80 million — was won by a ticket sold in Surrey, British Columbia in May 2025. The winner was a Filipino-Canadian resident who purchased the ticket at a local convenience store. Ontario’s biggest win ($75 million) came from Kingston in October 2025.

Who won the $80 million Lotto Max?

A Surrey, BC resident won the record $80 million Lotto Max jackpot in May 2025. He quit his job shortly after claiming the prize. The winning numbers matched all seven selections in the main draw.

Who won Lotto Max last night?

Check the latest Lotto Max results for the most recent draw. Lotto Max draws happen every Tuesday and Friday evening. Winners are announced after 10:30 PM ET.

Can I remain anonymous if I win Lotto Max in Canada?

Partially. Most Canadian lottery corporations require releasing the winner’s name and general location for transparency. However, you can typically decline extensive media coverage and photos. Consult a lawyer about claiming through a trust if privacy is a concern.

Where was Lotto Max won most often in 2025?

Ontario has produced the most Lotto Max jackpot winners in 2025, including the record provincial jackpot of $75 million (Kingston) and multiple $40 million wins. British Columbia won the overall record ($80 million in Surrey).

How do I claim Lotto Max winnings in Ontario?

For prizes up to $999.90, claim at any lottery retailer. For $1,000-$49,999.90, visit the OLG Prize Centre or mail your claim. For $50,000+, visit the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. Sign your ticket immediately and bring government-issued ID.

What are the odds of winning Lotto Max?

The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are 1 in 33,294,800. The odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 7. Lotto Max offers better jackpot odds than Powerball (1 in 292 million) or Mega Millions (1 in 302 million).

Can I buy Lotto Max tickets online in Canada?

Yes. Canadians 19+ can purchase Lotto Max tickets online through XO Lotto. New players get a free Lotto Max ticket just for signing up — no deposit required.

Related Guides

Follow XO Lotto for jackpot updates and winner announcements: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Play responsibly. 19+ only. Lottery is entertainment, not investment. If gambling stops being fun, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools and self-exclusion options.

]]>
Lotto Max Canada: Play for $80M Jackpots https://xolotto.com/blog/lotto-max-canada/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:27:25 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=5519
Loading…
Lotto Max Jackpot
Next draw: Loading…
Play Lotto Max → Play →

Quick Answer: Lotto Max Canada is a national lottery with jackpots starting at $10 million and capping at $80 million. Tickets cost $5 for three lines of seven numbers. Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 PM ET. You can play Lotto Max online at XO Lotto from anywhere in Canada — no retailer visit required. 19+. Please play responsibly.

This lottery holds the record for Canada’s largest lottery jackpots. The $80 million cap, plus MaxMillions prizes that stack on top, means total prize pools regularly exceed $100 million.

This guide covers everything: how the game works, what your real odds are, prize breakdowns, and how to play online. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular player looking to buy tickets more conveniently, you’ll find what you need here.

How Lotto Max Works: The Basics

Lotto Max is a 7/50 lottery — you pick seven numbers from a pool of 50. Match all seven to the main draw and you win the jackpot.

Here’s the structure:

What You Get for $5:

  • Three sets of seven numbers (three “lines” or “selections”)
  • Each line is an independent chance to win
  • You can Quick Pick (random) or choose your own numbers

Draw Schedule:

  • Tuesday at 10:30 PM ET
  • Friday at 10:30 PM ET
  • Results posted immediately after on Lotto Max results

Jackpot Range:

  • Starts at $10 million
  • Grows until won, capping at $80 million
  • When the main jackpot hits $50M+, MaxMillions prizes activate

What Are MaxMillions?

MaxMillions are bonus $1 million prizes that appear when the main jackpot reaches $50 million. They’re separate draws with their own winning numbers.

Example: If the jackpot is $70 million, there might be 30 MaxMillions prizes available — meaning $100 million total is up for grabs that night.

MaxMillions not won roll into the next draw. Some draws have accumulated 70+ MaxMillions prizes waiting to be claimed.

Lotto Max Canada: Prize Tiers and Payouts

Lotto Max has seven prize tiers. You don’t need all seven numbers to win — matching as few as three gets you a free play.

MatchPrizeOdds (per $5 play)
7/7 (Jackpot)$10M – $80M1 in 33,294,800
6/7 + Bonus$131,386*1 in 4,756,400
6/7$4,488*1 in 226,495
5/7 + Bonus$692*1 in 75,498
5/7$73*1 in 3,594
4/7 + Bonus$25*1 in 1,198
4/7$201 in 114
3/7 + Bonus$201 in 76
3/7Free Play1 in 8.5

*Average prizes — actual amounts vary based on sales and winner pool splits.

Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 7

That means roughly one in seven tickets wins something, even if it’s just a free play. The odds noted above are per $5 ticket (which includes three lines), making your actual chances better than single-line lotteries.

Lotto Max Odds: Your Real Chances Explained

The jackpot odds — 1 in 33,294,800 — are steep. For context:

  • You’re more likely to be struck by lightning twice in your lifetime
  • You’d need to buy tickets for about 320,000 years (twice weekly) to expect one jackpot win statistically

But here’s the nuance:

Lotto Max gives you three lines per $5. Most lotteries charge $2-3 per single line. When you compare cost-per-chance, it’s actually good value for a major lottery.

Lotto Max vs Other Lottery Odds

LotteryJackpot OddsTicket CostLines per Ticket
Lotto Max1 in 33.3M$53
Lotto 6/491 in 13.98M$31
Powerball1 in 292.2M$2 USD1
Mega Millions1 in 302.6M$2 USD1
EuroMillions1 in 139.8M€2.501

Lotto Max has much better jackpot odds than US mega-lotteries. If you’re going to play, the math favours Canadian games.

For a deeper dive on which game makes sense for your play style, check our guide on best lottery odds in Canada once it’s live.

How to Play Lotto Max Online in Canada

Gone are the days of finding a retailer before the 10:30 PM cutoff. You can buy Lotto Max tickets online and play from your couch.

Option 1: Play at XO Lotto

XO Lotto lets Canadians buy Lotto Max entries online:

Step 1: Create your account (takes 2 minutes)

Step 2: Deposit funds via Interac e-Transfer — instant, no fees

Step 3: Go to Lotto Max, select your numbers or Quick Pick

Step 4: Confirm your entry — you’ll get email confirmation

Step 5: Check results after the draw

Why XO Lotto?

  • Play from anywhere in Canada, 24/7
  • Never miss the cutoff — buy tickets up until draw time
  • Automatic win notifications — no unclaimed prizes
  • CAD deposits and withdrawals via Interac
  • Access to Powerball, Mega Millions, and international lotteries too

Option 2: Provincial Lottery Retailers

You can still buy paper tickets at authorized retailers (convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores) in your province. Cutoff is typically 10:15-10:30 PM on draw nights.

Option 3: Provincial Online Platforms

OLG (Ontario), PlayNow (BC), and other provincial sites offer online Lotto Max. However, you’re restricted to playing within your province’s platform.

Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49: Which Should You Play?

Canada’s two national lotteries serve different players. Here’s how they compare:

FeatureLotto MaxLotto 6/49
Format7 numbers from 506 numbers from 49
Ticket Price$5$3
Lines per Ticket31
Jackpot Start$10 million$5 million
Jackpot Cap$80 millionUncapped (record: $68M)
Jackpot Odds1 in 33.3M1 in 13.98M
Any Prize Odds1 in 71 in 6.6
Draw DaysTue & FriWed & Sat
Bonus FeatureMaxMillions ($1M each)Gold Ball (up to $68M)
Best ForMega jackpot chasersBetter odds seekers

The verdict:

  • Want the biggest possible jackpot? Lotto Max is your game.
  • Want better odds of winning the top prize? Lotto 6/49 offers 2.4x better jackpot odds.
  • Want both? Play Lotto Max when jackpots exceed $50M (for MaxMillions value), and Lotto 6/49 as your regular game.

The Gold Ball feature in Lotto 6/49 adds another wrinkle — it’s worth learning how it affects your decision.

Hands receiving thick envelope of Canadian cash across desk with lottery ticket

Lotto Max Strategies: What Actually Matters

What Doesn’t Work

“Hot” and “cold” numbers: Every draw is independent. The ball machine doesn’t remember what came up last week. A number that hasn’t appeared in 20 draws isn’t “due.”

Patterns and systems: Diagonal lines, birthdays-only, or mathematical sequences don’t improve your odds. The lottery doesn’t care about your pattern.

Buying more tickets than you can afford: This isn’t an investment. It’s entertainment. Never spend money needed for bills, rent, or essentials.

What Actually Helps

Join a pool: Office lottery pools let you buy more tickets without increasing individual spend. A 10-person pool buying $50 worth of tickets gives everyone 30 lines instead of 3.

Play consistently vs. chasing jackpots: Some players buy $50 worth when jackpots hit $70M, then nothing for months. Statistically, you’re better off playing $5 every draw than sporadic large purchases.

Avoid popular number combinations: This doesn’t improve your odds of winning — but it improves your odds of not splitting the jackpot if you do win. Numbers 1-31 (birthdays) are over-selected. Numbers above 31 are statistically under-chosen.

Set a budget: Decide what you’ll spend monthly on lottery entertainment. Stick to it. The moment it stops being fun, stop playing. XO Lotto has responsible gaming tools to help with limits.

How to Claim Lotto Max Winnings

Won something? Here’s what happens next.

Small Prizes ($1 – $999.90)

  • Online (XO Lotto): Automatically credited to your account. Withdraw via Interac anytime.
  • Paper ticket: Cash at any lottery retailer

Medium Prizes ($1,000 – $49,999.90)

  • Online: Auto-credited, withdraw normally
  • Paper ticket: Claim at lottery retail locations or mail to provincial lottery corporation

Large Prizes ($50,000+)

  • Online: XO Lotto contacts you directly; may require identity verification before payout
  • Paper ticket: Must claim in person at provincial lottery office; bring government ID

Jackpot and MaxMillions

For wins over $1 million:

  • Sign the back of your ticket (if paper)
  • Contact the lottery corporation directly (don’t show up unannounced)
  • Consider consulting a lawyer and financial advisor before going public
  • You typically have one year to claim from the draw date

Important: Don’t announce your win on social media before claiming. Don’t share photos of winning tickets. Protect yourself first.

For more on what happens after a big win, read our guide on how to claim lottery winnings in Canada.

Lotto Max Calculator: Check Your Odds and Costs

Use this calculator to see what you’re working with before you play.

🎰 Lotto Max Calculator

See your odds before you play

Your Play Summary

Total Cost $5
Total Lines Played 3
Jackpot Odds 1 in 33,294,800
Any Prize Odds 1 in 2.3
Expected Free Plays ~0
For entertainment purposes only. Actual results vary. 19+ only.
Play Responsibly | Play Lotto Max

Example output for $20 spend (4 tickets, 1 draw):

Lotto Max Results: Where to Check Winning Numbers

After every Tuesday and Friday draw, results are posted around 11 PM ET.

Check results at:

Pro tip: If you play online at XO Lotto, you'll receive an email notification for any wins. No need to check manually — and zero risk of an unclaimed prize.

For historical results and number frequency data, the Lotto Max info page has what you need.

Biggest Lotto Max Jackpots in Canadian History

The game has created some of Canada's largest lottery winners:

DateJackpotWinner Location
Jan 2024$80 millionOntario
Oct 2023$80 millionBritish Columbia
Jun 2023$80 millionAlberta
Apr 2023$80 millionQuebec
Jan 2023$70 millionOntario

The $80 million cap gets hit multiple times per year now. When you factor in MaxMillions, some draws exceed $140 million in total prizes.

Want to read winner stories? Check out biggest Canadian lottery winners and $80M Lotto Max winner stories.

Lotto Max Add-Ons: Extra and Encore

Most provinces offer add-on games you can play alongside Lotto Max:

Extra (Western Canada)

  • Costs $1
  • Four-digit number draw
  • Match 2-4 digits for prizes up to $500,000
  • Drawn with Lotto Max

Encore (Ontario)

  • Costs $1
  • Seven-digit number
  • Match digits from right to left
  • Top prize: $1,000,000
  • Odds of any Encore prize: 1 in 9.2

These add-ons have better odds than the main Lotto Max jackpot, though smaller prizes. They add entertainment value for an extra dollar.

Play More Than Just Lotto Max

Lotto Max is Canada's flagship lottery, but XO Lotto gives you access to more options:

Canadian Lotteries:

International Lotteries:

Instant Win Games:

New to XO Lotto? Grab 50 free scratch cards with no deposit while you explore.

Ready to Play Lotto Max?

You've got the full picture now — how it works, what your odds are, and where to play.

Next steps:

  1. Create your XO Lotto account (2 minutes)
  2. Deposit via Interac — instant, no fees
  3. Buy your Lotto Max tickets before the next draw
  4. Check results Tuesday or Friday night

Questions? Customer support is available to help.

Follow XO Lotto on Facebook, Instagram, and X for jackpot alerts and draw reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play Lotto Max in Canada?

Pick seven numbers from 1-50, or use Quick Pick for random selections. Each $5 ticket gives you three lines. Draws happen Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 PM ET. Match all seven numbers to win the jackpot. You can play Lotto Max online at XO Lotto or buy paper tickets at retailers.

What are the odds of winning Lotto Max?

The jackpot odds are 1 in 33,294,800 per $5 ticket (which includes three lines). Your odds of winning any prize — including free plays — are about 1 in 7. Those are significantly better than Powerball (1 in 292 million) or Mega Millions (1 in 302 million).

How much does Lotto Max cost?

Lotto Max tickets cost $5 each. Every ticket includes three sets of seven numbers, giving you three independent chances to win per ticket. Add-ons like Extra or Encore cost an additional $1.

What is the Lotto Max jackpot cap?

The Lotto Max jackpot caps at $80 million. Once it reaches that limit, additional prize money goes into MaxMillions — separate $1 million prizes with their own winning numbers. Some draws have 50+ MaxMillions available.

Can I buy Lotto Max tickets online?

Yes. Canadians 19+ can buy Lotto Max online at XO Lotto. Create an account, deposit via Interac, select your numbers, and you're set. No retailer visit needed.

When are Lotto Max draws?

Lotto Max draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 PM ET. Results are posted shortly after on XO Lotto's results page and provincial lottery sites.

What's the difference between Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49?

Lotto Max costs $5 for three lines with 1 in 33.3M jackpot odds. Lotto 6/49 costs $3 for one line with 1 in 13.98M odds. Lotto Max has higher jackpots ($80M cap); Lotto 6/49 has better odds. Choose based on whether you prioritize jackpot size or winning probability.

How do I claim Lotto Max winnings?

If you play online at XO Lotto, winnings are automatically credited to your account — withdraw via Interac anytime.

Related Guides

Play responsibly. 19+ only. Lottery is entertainment, not investment. Set limits and stick to them. Visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.

]]>
Mega Millions Jackpot Today: $1.76 Billion CAD https://xolotto.com/blog/mega-million-jackpot/ https://xolotto.com/blog/mega-million-jackpot/#respond Sat, 28 Dec 2024 02:25:29 +0000 https://xolotto.com/blog/?p=4789 The Mega Millions jackpot today is a jaw-dropping $1.76 Billion CAD (approximately $1.22 Billion USD), making it one of the most record-breaking lottery jackpots in history. Canadians now have a chance to participate in this life-changing event with XO Lotto, the trusted platform for Canadian lottery tickets online.

Here’s the best part: New users get their first Mega Millions ticket for free. With the next draw happening tonight, the time to act is now. Claim your free ticket and start dreaming big!

Quick Steps: How to Play Mega Millions Online in Canada

Looking for a simple way to get started? Here’s how:

  1. Sign Up for XO Lotto: Create an account in minutes and claim your free ticket.
  2. Choose Your Numbers: Pick 5 numbers (1–70) and 1 Mega Ball number (1–25) or use Quick Pick for random selections.
  3. Complete Your Purchase: Securely buy your ticket with XO Lotto’s encrypted payment system.
  4. Track Results: Check your ticket in your account after the draw at 11:00 PM EST. Results are updated instantly on our Mega Millions Results page.

Mega Millions Jackpot Amount Today: A Historic Prize

The $1.76 Billion CAD Mega Millions jackpot has reached historic heights, captivating players worldwide. Here’s why this prize is so special:

  • Record-Breaking Size: It’s the second-largest prize in Mega Millions history.
  • Global Excitement: Players across the globe are vying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
  • Life-Changing Potential: Imagine the freedom to pursue your wildest dreams with a win this big.

Check the latest lottery results or secure your ticket for tonight’s draw.

Mega Millions Next Draw Time

The next Mega Millions draw is set for 11:00 PM EST tonight, with ticket sales closing shortly before. Don’t miss your chance—sign up now and claim your free ticket.

Tips to Win the Mega Millions Jackpot

While winning the lottery is a game of chance, these tips can help you play smarter and increase your enjoyment:

  • Join a Lottery Syndicate: Increase your odds by pooling tickets with friends or coworkers.
  • Pick Unique Numbers: Avoid popular combinations like birthdays or sequences to reduce the chance of splitting the jackpot.
  • Play Consistently: Regular participation increases your odds over time, but always play responsibly.
  • Leverage Free Tickets: XO Lotto’s free ticket offer is a no-risk way to get started.
  • Use Hot and Cold Numbers: Analyze past results to identify frequently or rarely drawn numbers.

These tips to win the Mega Millions jackpot can help you approach the game strategically. For even more games type tips for lottery, keno and scratchcards; check out our blog post for Daily Keno Results Today.

How XO Lotto Ensures Safe Lottery Purchases Online

XO Lotto is Canada’s most trusted online lottery platform. Here’s why players rely on it:

  • Licensed and Regulated: Fully compliant with Canadian laws.
  • Advanced Security: XO Lotto ensures safe lottery purchases online with state-of-the-art encryption.
  • Fair and Transparent: Games are independently audited for fairness, and winnings are credited directly to your account.
  • Trusted by Thousands: Over 65,000 Canadians play with confidence on XO Lotto.

With XO Lotto, Canadian lottery tickets online are just a few clicks away, ensuring a secure and seamless experience. Learn more about responsible play on our Responsible Gaming page.

Mega Millions vs. Powerball: Which One Should You Play?

FeatureMega MillionsPowerball
Jackpot Starting Value$20 Million CAD$20 Million CAD
Main Numbers Range1–701–69
Special Ball Range1–251–26
Draw DaysTuesday & FridayMonday, Wednesday, Saturday

Both games offer massive prizes and global appeal. Explore Powerball tickets here.

Why Canadians Love XO Lotto

With over 65,000 Canadian players, XO Lotto is the trusted choice for online lottery gaming.

Sarah T., Nova Scotia

“My winning was an incredible experience! XO Lotto made the process so easy and secure. I’m already planning my next ticket!”

Mark R., British Columbia

“The free ticket offer was a great start, and I ended up winning! XO Lotto is my go-to platform for online lottery games.”

Emma L., Alberta

“The customer service team at XO Lotto is fantastic. They helped me every step of the way 24-7, and I always feel safe playing here.”

Sign Up and Play for Free Today!

The $1.76 Billion CAD Mega Millions jackpot is within your reach, and XO Lotto makes it easier than ever to participate. With secure transactions, trusted licensing, and a free ticket for new users, now is the perfect time to join the excitement. Ready to play? Sign up now and claim your free ticket today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Mega Millions jackpot amount today?

The current jackpot is $1.76 Billion CAD.

How do I play Mega Millions online in Canada?

Sign up at XO Lotto, pick your numbers, and securely purchase your ticket.

When is the next Mega Millions draw?

The draw happens every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM EST tonight.

What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?

The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million.

Is it safe to buy tickets online?

Yes, XO Lotto ensures secure purchases with advanced encryption technology.

How do I claim my winnings?

Winnings are automatically credited to your XO Lotto account. You can withdraw securely at any time.

]]>
https://xolotto.com/blog/mega-million-jackpot/feed/ 0