The first Lotto 6/49 draw of the New Year has already taken place, and two lucky players are already beginning 2025 with a good amount of cash in their hands.
But what about the biggest Canadian lottery winners of 2024? Last year, Canadian lottery players from different provinces won a series of highly remarkable wins, with both individual tickets and group tickets getting their hands on immense jackpots across Canada.
The year of 2024 was marked by unprecedented prize amounts, with Lotto Max increasing its jackpot, record-breaking draws in a number of different provinces, and a growing number of sudden millionaires emerging from all over the nation.
A big year for Canadian lotteries
In 2024, Canadian lottery corporations reported significant revenues across various provinces, reflecting the enduring nationwide popularity of lottery games.
OLG reported gaming revenue of approximately 6.74 billion Canadian dollars for the fiscal year 2023–2024, marking a 2.25% increase from the previous fiscal year.
For the period from April 1 to September 30, 2024, Loto-Québec reported total revenues of $1.504 billion, a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The net income for this period was $771.3 million, up by 4.7%.
In the fiscal year 2023–2024, ALC’s draws category delivered net revenue of $173.9 million, a decrease of $7.7 million or 4.3% compared with the prior year. Notably, Lotto 6/49 net revenue finished the year at $43.8 million, an increase of $5 million over 2022–2023, primarily driven by the completion of the first full year in the new game format.
These figures underscore the substantial contributions of lottery activities to provincial revenues, supporting various public initiatives and services across Canada.
January 16, 2024: Beaverlodge Resident Wins $70 Million
The year commenced with a monumental win for a resident of Beaverlodge, Alberta. On January 16, a single ticket matched all the numbers in the LOTTO MAX draw, securing a $70 million jackpot—the largest prize offered on any Canadian game at that time.
This win brought immense joy to the winner and set a high benchmark for subsequent lottery draws in 2024.
April 25, 2024: Ontario Couple Claims $70 Million Lotto Max Prize
Doug and Enid from Lakefield, Ontario, became the province’s newest multi-millionaires in April. The couple won a staggering $70 million in the February 20, 2024, Lotto Max draw. Enid had purchased the quick pick ticket, and Doug discovered their win, leading to a transformative moment in their lives.
September 17, 2024: Historic $80 Million Lotto Max Jackpot
September witnessed a historic moment in Canadian lottery history. The Lotto Max jackpot reached an unprecedented $80 million, the largest ever in the country. This colossal prize was shared between two winning tickets.
One ticket belonged to Stephanie and Bryan, a couple from Owen Sound, Ontario, who claimed their $40 million share. The second victorious icket was sold in Quebec, with the winner choosing to remain anonymous.
Loto-Quebec’s executive vice president and chief operating officer of lottery games, Isabelle Jean, stated that “The $80 million Lotto Max jackpot is the largest amount ever awarded in the lottery in Canada, and we’re delighted that it was won here in Quebec.”
December 28, 2024: Western Canada Player Wins $54 Million
As the year drew to a close, another significant win occurred on December 28. A Canadian lottery player won the Gold Ball prize in the Lotto 6/49 draw, securing a $54 million jackpot.
The lucky ticket was sold somewhere in Western Canada, adding to the region’s impressive tally of lottery successes for the year.
October 9, 2024: Quebec Group Shares $32 Million Lotto 6/49 Prize
In October, six strangers from Quebec experienced a stroke of luck when they collectively won the Gold Ball prize worth $32 million in the Lotto 6/49 draw.
The group had purchased a Formule Groupe ticket, which turned out to be a winner.
Each member walked away with approximately $5.33 million, showcasing the benefits of group play in lotteries.
Lotto Max Jackpot Increase
In September 2024, Lotto Max increased its maximum possible jackpot from $70 million to $80 million. This change led to two $80 million jackpots being won across the country, each shared by two tickets.
The first $80 million jackpot was won in September, with one winning ticket purchased in the prairies.
A firefighter, paramedic, and hunting guide from Hamiota, Manitoba, claimed $40 million of this prize, expressing plans to share the windfall with family and provide safe, reliable vehicles for his children.
Additional Notable Wins in 2024
Beyond these headline-grabbing jackpots, 2024 saw numerous other significant lottery wins across Canada. In June, a Calgary resident won $66 million on their LOTTO 6/49 ticket, marking the region’s second-largest win of the year.
The winner expressed intentions to retire and travel, highlighting the transformative impact of such a windfall.
In Saskatchewan, a Regina resident took home $2 million, while a Saskatoon player secured a $1 million prize. Winnipeg also saw nine wins totalling more than $14 million in prizes, underscoring the widespread distribution of lottery luck across the provinces.
Responsible Gaming and Community Impact
While the allure of substantial jackpots captivates many Canadians, lottery officials emphasize the importance of responsible gaming.
Lottery games are designed to be a source of fun and recreation, serving as fundraisers for priority programs and services throughout the region.
The significant revenue generated from ticket sales contributes to various community initiatives, enhancing public services and infrastructure.
Side-prizes for the biggest Canadian lottery winners of 2024
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation reminds residents that, beyond the significant wins, millions of smaller prizes are awarded annually.
These range from free tickets to cash prizes of varying amounts, ensuring that a broad spectrum of players experience the excitement of winning. In 2024, an additional 1,500 tickets won prizes between $10,000 and $1 million, adding another $82 million to the total winnings distributed.
Western Canada Lottery Corporation’s 2024 Recap
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) reported a prosperous year for lottery players in western and northern Canada. In 2024, 85 new millionaires emerged, sharing more than $319.3 million in winnings.
Alberta led the pack with 55 millionaire wins totalling $237.3 million. Calgary alone accounted for 22 prize wins exceeding $108.3 million, while Edmonton was home to 12 winners who collectively took home over $23 million.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba also saw significant wins. In Saskatchewan, 11 individuals became millionaires, sharing $17 million in winnings. Manitoba mirrored this success, with 11 winners adding $53 million to their fortunes.
The Northwest Territories and Yukon were not left out, with residents claiming multiple $1 million prizes, further highlighting the widespread nature of lottery luck across the region.
