Who doesn’t dream of winning the lottery? For two lucky Canadians, that dream just became a reality in a big way.
All eyes were on the prize during the recent Lotto Max draw on Tuesday, December 3. That’s because the jackpot had reached $80 million for the second time in the game’s history. And just like the first time, two people split the top prize.
According to PlayNow, the winning numbers were 09, 14, 21, 26, 29, 32, 41, and bonus 47. After they matched seven of the winning numbers, the lucky winners will each take home a cheque for $40 million. The life-changing tickets were sold in Alberta and Quebec.
Similarly, two people will share the second prize after they matched six of the seven winning numbers and the bonus number. The winning tickets were purchased in Ontario and Quebec; each winner will receive $223,612.50.
The wins don’t end there.
@atlanticlottery/Instagram
At the time, there were also 30 Maxmillions prizes to be won, each worth $1 million.
One lottery player from Quebec won a $1 million Maxmillions prize, and Ontario also had several big wins.
According to OLG, five Ontarians won Maxmillions prizes worth $1 million: two tickets were sold in Brampton, one in Hamilton, one in Timmins, and one was purchased on olg.ca. After they matched the winning numbers 3, 5, 8, 14, 17, 21, and 26, three people from Ontario are now $333,333.40 richer after splitting a Maxmillions prize. According to OLG, those tickets were sold in Bowmanville, Hamilton, and Toronto.
The last time two winning tickets won the $80 million prize was during the September 17 draw, when Ontario couple Stephanie and Bryan Cantwell split the prize with Quebec resident Bernard Morissette.
Quebec resident Bernard Morissette and Ontario couple Stephanie and Bryan Cantwell (OLG)
Morissette, a retiree, said he intends to use his $40 million windfall to secure his children’s financial future. Similarly, the Cantwells said they plan to use their share to help family, friends, and the community.
The next Lotto Max draw is set for Friday, December 6, and the jackpot is worth $33 million.
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.