What started as a routine trip to the gas station quickly turned into a six-figure surprise for Rojeh Sayegh of Pickering, Ontario. The 25-year-old had planned to fill up his car, but after checking his Poker Lotto ticket and realizing he’d won $100,000 in the February 15, 2025 draw, his priorities quickly changed.
“After scanning it and seeing that I’d won, I was so happy. I left the gas station without even pumping gas!” said Sayegh, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim his winnings. His day began like any other cold Canadian winter morning. After clearing the snow from his driveway, Sayegh set out to refuel his vehicle—completely unaware that life-changing news was waiting just around the corner.
“I shovelled my driveway and headed to the gas station to fill up. When I arrived at the store, I decided to use the ticket checker to see how I did on my Poker Lotto ticket,” said Sayegh. He had matched five of five cards to win the game’s top prize. The lucky ticket was purchased at Metro on Whites Road North in Pickering.
A longtime fan of lottery games, Sayegh has been playing with OLG since he turned 18. He says he enjoys Poker Lotto, Lotto Max, and Lotto 6/49—but this is his biggest win yet. “Then, I called my dad to tell him the good news,” he said. “He was hesitant to believe me at first, but later congratulated me on my win.”
Now $100,000 richer, Sayegh plans to invest the money and treat himself to a well-deserved vacation. Poker Lotto is a $2 lottery game that plays like a hand of poker. Each ticket gives you a five-card hand—if your cards form a winning poker combination, you can win an instant prize of up to $5,000 right at the store. The same hand is also entered into a nightly draw, where players have a chance to win up to $100,000. With two chances to win on every play, it’s a fast-paced game that combines the luck of the draw with the fun of poker.
For those interested in playing, the Lotto Max draw held on the same day featured an estimated jackpot of $70 million, with draw numbers of 04, 09, 19, 22, 23, 32, and 41, and a bonus number of 34. The Maxmillion numbers included a series of combinations that could add even more excitement for players.
As Sayegh reflects on his unexpected fortune, he joins a long line of lucky winners who have turned ordinary moments into extraordinary life changes. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most mundane tasks can lead to the most exciting surprises. Whether it’s filling up a gas tank or checking a lottery ticket, one never knows when luck might strike.
For anyone considering their own luck in the lottery, it’s important to approach responsibly. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) provides resources for players, including self-exclusion programs for those looking to take a break from gambling. These tools can be effective for anyone seeking to manage their gaming habits.
In a world where financial security can seem elusive, stories like Sayegh’s offer a glimmer of hope and excitement. His plans to invest wisely and enjoy a vacation highlight not just the thrill of winning, but the importance of making thoughtful decisions with newfound wealth. As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, the community in Pickering and beyond will undoubtedly be cheering him on.
With the ongoing popularity of lottery games like Poker Lotto and Lotto Max, many players continue to dream of hitting it big. For Sayegh, that dream has become a reality, and he stands as an inspiration to others who play, reminding them that life can change in an instant.
As the next draws approach, all eyes will be on those hopeful for a similar stroke of luck. With millions at stake, the excitement of the lottery remains a cherished part of many Canadians' lives, providing not just the chance of winning but the thrill of participating in a game of chance that has captivated the nation.
As the OLG continues to offer various games and promotions, players are encouraged to stay informed about the latest draws and potential winnings. With each ticket purchased, the hope of a life-changing win remains alive and well, echoing the sentiments of Sayegh, who now knows firsthand the joy that such a victory can bring.
