Canadian lottery winner finally returning to Vietnam after 13 years

A Canadian lottery player is finally returning to Vietnam for the first time in 13 years, thanks to a massive win.

Thi Tran (Thai-Tea) said she enjoys playing the lottery, often playing Lotto Max and Pick-4 using the OLG Quick Pick feature. Tran is a 45-year-old mom of three who works as a hairdresser and lives in Woodbridge, Ont. One day, she thought she’d try her luck by buying a ticket at a gas station.

Despite hoping to win, she could never have expected that her dream would actually come true. At first, when she checked her ticket, she noticed that she won $500.

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“I continued on with my day, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” recalled Tran. “I had my husband take a look at it, and he said, ‘You won $500,000!’ I couldn’t stop shaking and had goosebumps!”

Tran couldn’t believe that she won a $500,000 Maxmillions prize in the Dec. 23, 2025, Lotto Max draw.

“This is my first big win! I’m so happy,” she said, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up her cheque.

Tran said she’s happy to have won and will use her windfall to help her children with their school tuition. Her big win will finally allow her to take a family trip she’s always dreamed of.

OLG

“My dream is to travel with them to Vietnam since I haven’t returned in over 13 years,” she said.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Rutherford Road in Woodbridge.

Just like Tran, lottery winner Belinda Escalona finally had the opportunity to spend the holidays with her kids in the Philippines after 12 years. Escalona won $259,055.30 in the Lightning Lotto draw on Oct. 19, 2025.

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.