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.
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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
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
| Winner | Amount | Location | Date | Ticket Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory (Greg) Chialtas | $70,000,000 | Toronto | Apr 2024 | Sheppard Ticket Centre, Yonge-Sheppard Centre |
| Mohit Sharma | $65,000,000 | Etobicoke | Oct 2024 | Lakeshore Mini Mart |
| Mark Hanley | $65,000,000 | Newmarket | Mar 2025 | Not disclosed |
| GTA Co-workers (5) | $60,000,000 | Etobicoke/Mississauga/Brampton/Toronto/Scarborough | Jan 2025 | Giant Tiger, Kipling Ave, Etobicoke |
| Laurene Shail & Doltan Hawk | $55,000,000 | Milton | Jun 2024 | Convenience 4U, Wilson Drive |
| Bernard White | $40,000,000 | Oshawa | Feb 2025 | Shell, Taunton Road East |
| Charles Coffey | $25,000,000 | Toronto | Jan 2025 | Not disclosed |
Total GTA Winnings (2024-2025): $380 million
Which GTA Regions Win the Most?
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:
| Region | Total Major Wins | Biggest 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
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
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:
| Feature | Lotto Max | Lotto 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) |
| Draws | Tuesday & Friday | Wednesday & Saturday |
| Bonus Feature | Maxmillions ($1M prizes) | Gold Ball Draw |
| Odds (Jackpot) | 1 in 33.3 million | 1 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.
â–º 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.
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