Canadian siblings win lottery after three decades of buying tickets weekly
Four Ontario siblings showed that it pays off when family sticks together, especially when it comes to playing the lottery.
Bruce County residents Ronald Mahon, James Mahon, Joyce Smith, and Marie Jones are celebrating after winning a Lotto 6/49 second prize worth $98,226.40 in the April 12, 2025, draw.
Ronald (Ron), James, Joyce, and Marie share more than just a family bond. For the past three decades, the siblings have also shared a tradition of playing the lottery together. Each week, they play Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, using OLG’s Quick Pick feature to make their selections, always adding Encore to their tickets.
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“I took our ticket to the store and scanned it using the ticket checker,” Ron recounted, during the group’s visit to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. “When I saw that it was a big winner, I had to double-check. I may have let out a little scream, too,” he said with a laugh.
Bursting with excitement, Ron called his siblings one by one to share the fantastic news.
“I thought he was messing with me and had trouble believing him at first,” said James. “I still can’t fully process it!”
“We’re all so fortunate and blessed to have won this prize,” added Marie. “All these years of playing really paid off. I feel overjoyed!”
The siblings each have important plans for their windfall from the lottery.
James is going to take his time deciding on how to use the prize. Marie is excited to buy a new washing machine and update her home with some new furniture.
Ron plans to deposit his lottery winnings in the bank, while Joyce intends to invest the windfall in a new mattress for a better night’s sleep.
The winning lottery ticket was purchased at Rexall on Albert Street South in Southampton.
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.