In modern day Canada, it’s never been easier to enter the Lottery and be in with a chance of bagging yourself a win. However, it hasn’t always been this easy. In 1892, the Canadian Criminal Code put a ban on all types of gambling. Despite this, much of the world began to see value in many forms of casino gaming, with Lotteries in particular being used to fund special projects. In 1969, this law was amended and Lotteries could run provincially, at the very least.
A year later, Loto-Quebec was created. It was the first Canadian corporation that dealt exclusively with lottery administrations. This then inspired other provinces to follow suit. Now, there are many Lottery games available online, with dedicated sites ran by individual provinces, as well as a national Lottery that’s been up and running since 1974!
With so many ways to enjoy the classic game, it’s no wonder that Lotteries remain so popular. In fact, there have been some extremely lucky Canadian residents who have bagged themselves some incredible wins over the years!
Read on to find out more.
CA$35 million
Over the summer of 2021, a college graduate was keeping a life-changing secret to himself. Not only had Ginno Torres recently graduated into the real world, but after purchasing a winning Lotto Max ticket at King Grocery on King Street in Toronto, the 29-year-old player was in total disbelief upon finding out the sheer size of his winnings, stating that:
“I wanted to make sure it was real before I surprised my family and friends with this incredible news”
Torres was a frequent Lottery player, but never expected to be receiving a share of the top prize of $70 million.
The excited winner told the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)Prize Center, whilst receiving his CA$35 million cheque:
“My stomach was in knots as I was thinking about what was happening, I was numb!”
A portion of Torres’ winnings will be shared with charities, and the winner also wanted to redecorate his home. He plans to commission a piece of art from Canadian Indigenous artists, hopes to travel across Canada, and to Europe and Asia, as well as making sure his family are taken care of and making investments to ensure they are all well taken care of far into the future.
CA$70 million
Marc and Dorothy-Ann Meilleur had previously always been huge fans of lottery games, revealing that they’ve been playing for quite a while before they bagged the CA$70,000,000 Lotto Max jackpot last February.
The couple purchased their ticket in Mayer Services Esso in Noelville, and plan on using their winnings to take care of their huge family, as well as securing their future. With three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, it’s safe to say that this amount has not only been lifechanging for Marc and Dorothy-Ann, but for their many close relatives.
As well as donating to charities, the pair will be purchasing a brand-new home in the Sudbury region, as well as embarking on an adventure as they travel across Canada.
CA$250,000
Just a mere few weeks ago, Denise Upton, a mother and grandmother from Stony Creek, Ontario, won an amount that would make life, in her own words, “a little more comfortable”.
Upton won $250,000 on her favourite type of ticket – the instant crossword deluxe. She admitted that she initially thought it was some kind of a joke, stating:
“When I saw the number of words I found, I thought it was a gag until I scanned it”
Her winnings will be allocated towards bills, future vacations and the education of her daughter.
Upon collecting her winnings, Upton said;
“It’s unimaginable. I feel completely fortunate to be given this opportunity that most people don’t get”
And we agree – it really is hard to imagine, but we can certainly to dream!
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How would you spend your winnings?
