Canadian lottery player discovers $1-million win on her 83rd birthday | Daily Hive

OLG

A woman from Scarborough, Ont., ended up giving herself the birthday gift of a lifetime when she bought a lottery ticket at the end of a shopping spree.

Virginia Zapanta, who has loyally participated in the lottery for over four decades, won her first-ever massive prize on April 25, 2025, in a Lotto Max draw — the $1-million Maxmillions.

She visited the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up her windfall and share her story.

A big fan of the Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 games, Zapanta said she never misses a draw, always adding the Encore option and using Quick Pick.

“I was shopping at the mall and on my way out, I came across a kiosk, so I decided to stop and grab a ticket,” Zapanta recounted. She bought the ticket at the Gateway Lotto Centre on Tapscott Road in Scarborough.

Her birthday was just days after the draw had happened. On that day, she went to get her ticket validated and got the shock of a lifetime.

“When I saw the prize amount on the screen, I froze,” she said. “My heart started racing as I stood there in shock. I turned to the store clerk and asked, ‘Is this real? This can’t be real!’”

“I typically win Free Plays or $5. But $1 million? Wow — it’s just crazy. Never in my life did I prepare myself for a win like this. I’ve never seen such a large amount before!” she shared.

Zapanta’s friends began dancing around her in excitement when she shared the news.

“They’re all so happy for me,” she added. “I’m happy, happy, happy! This is hands down one of my favourite birthdays ever – 83 is my year!”

Zapanta plans to use the windfall to pay off her mortgage, go on a big shopping spree at the mall, and help her family.

“This win lets me cross one of the last few things off my bucket list. I feel incredibly grateful to be an OLG winner.”

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.