Canadian jackpot winner could miss out on $40M as deadline nears

Someone in Canada could miss out on a life-changing lottery prize if they don’t come forward before the deadline.

It’s been nearly a year since a Canadian lottery player purchased the lucky ticket that won a $40-million jackpot. However, whether they know they’re a multimillionaire or not is unclear, because no one has stepped up to claim the winnings.

With the claim deadline fast approaching, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is urging the winner to claim their prize.

“Time is running out to claim the $40-million Lotto Max jackpot from the Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 Lotto Max draw,” reads the statement.

“This unclaimed $40-million winning ticket will expire on Oct. 28, 2026, unless the rightful ticket holder comes forward to OLG before then.”

The ticket was sold in Grey County, Ont., and the winning numbers are 06, 14, 17, 19, 26, 43, 45, with bonus number 27.

@atlanticlottery/Instagram

According to OLG’s website, customers have exactly a year from the draw date to claim their prize for tickets printed from the lottery terminal. As for prizes won on Instant games, lottery players have until the expiry date printed on the back of the ticket.

So what happens if the winner doesn’t come forward to claim their prize?

Lottery corporations do their best to track down the rightful winners to give them their prize; but in instances where it’s impossible to find the winner, the unclaimed jackpot goes back into the prize pool.

OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti told Daily Hive that winners who miss the deadline should have “a really good reason” to claim their prize after a year.

“It’s a case-by-case basis, and we determine if they’re the rightful owners of the tickets,” he said.

He also suggests buying lottery tickets online so winners are instantly notified.

To date, the largest unclaimed lottery prize in Canada is worth $70 million after a lottery player won the jackpot in the Lotto Max draw on June 28, 2022. The ticket was sold in Scarborough.

Check out the largest unclaimed prizes across Canada.

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, check out these resources.