Three Canadians from the same province now each have an extra $333,333.40 in their bank accounts after splitting a lottery prize.
In December, the Lotto Max jackpot had climbed to a massive $80 million — a prize that ended up being split between Quebec resident Jean Lamontagne and Manitoba man Matthew Tannas during the December 3, 2024 draw.
There were also other winners that night.
At the time, there were 30 Maxmillions prizes to be won, and three people from Ontario split a $1 million prize after matching the winning numbers 3, 5, 8, 14, 17, 21, and 26.
Meet the happy winners who now find themselves $333,333.40 richer.
“For a solid 30 minutes, I stood there in silence”
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Baladeva Manickarasa has been playing the lottery for 17 years, and when he does, he chooses a combination of family birthdays.
It’s a strategy that paid off eventually when the 43-year-old Toronto resident bought his ticket for the December 3 draw.
“I was having breakfast with my family when I decided to check my tickets,” he recalled. “For a solid 30 minutes, I stood there in silence, trying to process my win. My heart was beating so fast. All I could think was that there was no way this could be real. It was definitely a life-altering moment!”
Manickarasa said that he has been having trouble convincing his wife that he did win $333,333.40.
“She still thinks I’m pranking her. I can’t wait to have the cheque in hand and show her that I really won!” he stated.
The lucky winner said he feels blessed and plans to use his windfall to buy a home for himself and his family.
“I hope I can do this again someday!”
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Hamilton resident Sharon Gillan works in shipping and receiving and had just arrived at the office when she learned about her life-changing win.
“I was heading into work, and before I got out of my car, I decided to check my Lotto Max ticket on the OLG app,” she recalled. “At first, I thought I’d won $333 and had a giggle at the amount, but then I realized there were more threes! I had to take a moment to catch my breath. It was hard to believe I’d won!”
Gillan was ecstatic and shared the news with her coworkers. After claiming her share of the winnings, she said she plans to invest and celebrate with a trip to New Zealand.
But she hopes this won’t be the only time she’ll claim a lottery prize.
“I hope I can do this again someday!” she said.
“It takes just one ticket”
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Martin Hester lives in the Ontario community of Courtice, where he works in manufacturing. The father of three enjoys playing Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 and is now celebrating his first big win.
“It wasn’t until I scanned my ticket on the OLG app that I realized I had won,” he shared. “I was shocked and, of course, very happy! I shared the news with my family, and their reactions were the same as mine. They were surprised and excited for me.”
While at the OLG Prize Centre to pick up his cheque, Hester said he’ll use his winnings to pay bills and travel with his family.
“It takes just one ticket,” he said. “If you don’t play, you can’t win!”
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, you can find resources here.