In an exciting week for lottery enthusiasts across Canada, two significant wins have captured the attention of players and dreamers alike. Jason Ganske, a resident of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, celebrated a life-changing victory after winning $265,405.10 in the Lotto Max draw held on March 28, 2025. Meanwhile, an anonymous player from Ontario struck it rich with a staggering $60 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot on May 7, 2025, marking a historic moment in the lottery landscape.
Ganske, who purchased his winning ticket from the 7-Eleven located at 4602 50th Ave., was overjoyed upon discovering his win. "I was just still in shock!" he reflected, recalling the moment he scanned his ticket in-store. He immediately shared the news with his wife, sending her a video of the win notification. "When I sent her the video of the win coming up, she said, ‘What does that mean?’" he laughed, still grappling with the reality of his newfound fortune.
His winning numbers—7, 13, 33, 40, 44, 49, 50, and Bonus 32—have opened up a world of possibilities. Ganske plans to use his windfall to pay off debts, assist his children, and even help his son with a down payment on a house. "I can help my son with a down payment on a house and upgrade my daughter’s car that she’s been driving for years — it’s a good feeling!" he said, expressing his excitement about the future.
As Ganske celebrates his win, the Lotto Max draw is poised for another thrilling round. On May 9, 2025, the jackpot has reached its maximum limit of $80 million, with an additional 14 Maxmillion prizes available, bringing the total prize pool to an impressive $94 million. This draw is particularly significant as it marks the first time the Lotto Max jackpot has hit this cap since December 3, 2024, when two tickets shared the prize, one from Alberta and the other from Quebec.
In a parallel twist of fate, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced that an online player in Ontario won a life-altering $60 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot just days ago. The winning ticket was purchased through OLG.ca, showcasing the growing trend of online lottery ticket purchases. The winning numbers for the May 7 draw were 01, 04, 08, 13, 16, 26, with a bonus number of 14, alongside the Gold Ball jackpot number 53689493-01. Additionally, the lucky winner snagged two Encore prizes, each worth $100,000.
"Talk about a great way to start the day!" the OLG stated, highlighting the excitement surrounding this substantial win. The identity of the winner remains private, but the news has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among lottery players eager to check their own tickets. In total, there were 439,034 winners in the May 7 draw, with prizes ranging from free plays to significant cash amounts.
The Lotto 6/49 draw occurs every Wednesday and Saturday, with each ticket priced at just $3. The Gold Ball draw guarantees at least $1 million, but jackpots often soar much higher, as demonstrated by the recent $60 million win. The next Lotto 6/49 draw is set for May 10, 2025, where the Gold Ball jackpot will reset to $10 million.
As the excitement builds for both the Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 draws, players are reminded of the importance of responsible gambling. The thrill of a potential win keeps millions engaged, but it’s vital to approach these games with caution. The OLG encourages everyone who purchased a ticket for the recent draws to check their numbers, as they might just be the next big winner.
Both Ganske’s and the Ontario winner’s stories exemplify the life-changing potential of lottery games. As players across Canada dream of hitting the jackpot, the recent wins serve as a reminder that incredible things can happen. Whether it’s helping family members, paying off debts, or simply enjoying the thrill of winning, lottery players are united in their hope for a brighter future.
In a landscape where fortunes can change in an instant, the allure of the lottery continues to captivate hearts and minds. With the Lotto Max jackpot at its peak and the Lotto 6/49 winner basking in their newfound wealth, the excitement is palpable. Will you be the next lucky winner? Don’t forget to check your tickets!
