In a fortunate twist of fate, Carolann Stevenson, a retiree from Whitby, recently celebrated a significant win in the Lotto 6-49 lottery, taking home a second prize of $56,005.50. The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Dundas Street East in Whitby, and Stevenson has been a loyal player of lottery games with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) for decades.
Stevenson described her winning moment as a typical day at home when the realization struck her. "It was a regular day at home when I discovered I’d won," she shared during her visit to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her prize. Her excitement was palpable as she added, "Winning feels great, and I will continue to play. I had a ticket for last night’s draw too." This sentiment reflects the enthusiasm many players feel, hoping to strike it rich with their next ticket.
The Lotto 6-49 game, which offers players a chance to win two multimillion-dollar jackpots every Wednesday and Saturday for just $3 per play, has become a staple in the lives of many Canadians. The Classic Draw guarantees a fixed $5 million jackpot for every draw, while the Gold Ball draw ensures at least a $1 million prize is awarded. Additionally, the growing jackpot begins at $10 million and can soar beyond $60 million, making it an attractive option for those dreaming of a life-changing win.
Meanwhile, in Virginia, another lottery story is unfolding as a $1 million Mega Millions ticket remains unclaimed, with the holder having less than two weeks to come forward. The ticket, purchased at a 7-Eleven in Deltaville, won in the November 22, 2024 drawing but must be claimed by 5 p.m. on May 21, 2025, or it will expire. Lottery officials have alerted the public, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The winning numbers for that drawing were 13-20-26-32-65, with the Mega Ball number being 2. Although the ticket matched the first five numbers, it missed the Mega Ball, which meant it could have won a jackpot of over $453 million—an amount that could significantly alter anyone's life.
Should the ticket remain unclaimed, the winnings will be redirected to Virginia's Literary Fund, which provides low-interest loans for public school construction, renovations, and technology upgrades. This aspect of lottery winnings often goes unnoticed, but it highlights how unclaimed prizes can still benefit the community.
In the wake of these lottery events, the Mega Millions game recently announced a significant change: ticket prices have increased from $2 to $5. This decision, effective from early April 2025, aims to enhance the game experience for players. Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, stated, "Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that's exactly what this new game delivers," indicating that the changes are in response to player feedback.
With the new pricing structure, the potential winnings have also increased due to a built-in multiplier that can enhance non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or even ten times. The odds of winning have improved slightly, with a 1 in 23 chance compared to the previous 1 in 24, making it a more enticing option for hopeful players.
Lottery tickets can be conveniently purchased in-person at various locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals also sell tickets, and for those who prefer digital convenience, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
The Jackpocket app allows users to select their lottery game and numbers, place orders, view their tickets, and collect winnings—all from their mobile devices or computers. This innovation has made participating in lotteries even more accessible, particularly for younger audiences who favor digital transactions.
As the clock ticks down for the unclaimed Mega Millions ticket, it serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of lottery wins. For players like Carolann Stevenson, each ticket represents hope and the possibility of a brighter future. Whether it’s a second prize in Lotto 6-49 or a million-dollar Mega Millions ticket, the thrill of the game continues to capture the imagination of many.
In conclusion, the world of lotteries is filled with excitement and anticipation, as winners emerge and others await their fortunes. With changing dynamics in ticket prices and game structures, the landscape of lottery play is evolving, ensuring that it remains a popular pastime for many.