Ontario Man Wins $170,346 Lotto Max After Doubting Emails

An Ontario man is celebrating a significant Lotto Max win after initially dismissing emails announcing his good fortune as fraudulent. David Mark, a resident of Lindsay, has claimed a second prize of $170,346.30 from the December 20, 2024, draw. After playing with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for over two decades, the 51-year-old finally struck it lucky.

Mark, who typically selects his numbers using the OLG’s Quick Pick feature and adds the Encore option to his tickets, had been playing Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, often opting for the game with the larger jackpot. “I just randomly bought this ticket one day,” he recalled during a visit to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings.

Upon learning of his win, Mark initially thought the emails he received from OLG were not legitimate. He explained, “After the draw date, I kept receiving emails from OLG telling me I’d won a prize, but I didn’t think they were real.” His skepticism persisted until he received a phone call from an OLG representative months later, confirming his victory. “I was shocked and so excited,” he said.

Mark shared the life-changing news with his wife, who initially struggled to believe it. Once she accepted the reality, her excitement matched his. With his newfound wealth, Mark has plans to pay off bills, bolster his savings, and even purchase a jet ski for an upcoming trip. “It still doesn’t feel real!” he expressed with a smile. “Being a winner feels really good.”

Winning the lottery can bring about significant changes in one’s life, but it also serves as a reminder for players to verify the authenticity of their notifications. Mark purchased his winning ticket online through OLG.ca, emphasizing the importance of checking lottery tickets regularly.

In a related note, another Canadian recently won a staggering $75 million jackpot in a separate Lotto Max draw. This highlights the unpredictability and potential rewards of lottery participation, although individuals are reminded that all forms of gambling, including lotteries, carry inherent risks. Responsible gambling is encouraged, and resources are available for those facing gambling-related challenges.