Canadian co-workers win first big Lotto Max prize after three years playing together
Three co-workers from different communities in Ontario are celebrating after winning a huge Lotto Max prize.
Brampton resident Dorina Z., Beeton resident Patrice S., and Shelburne resident Shannon C. won the Lotto Max second prize in the April 7, 2026, draw, splitting $143,195.10.
The finance colleagues have been playing Lotto Max together since 2023 and have never missed a draw. The consistency definitely paid off with their first major win.
Atlantic Lottery
Dorina discovered the group’s windfall while checking their ticket on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) app.
“I waited until I got to work to tell the rest of the group. I wanted to do it in person,” she shared while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up their cheque. “I’ve never been more excited to go to work in my life!”
Dorina told Patrice and Shannon that she had some serious news to share with them when she arrived at the office.
“We huddled by the coffee station, and that’s when I pulled out my phone and scanned the winning ticket to show them,” she recalled.
For a moment, the trio stood frozen in silence. Then it hit them all at once.
“My jaw dropped,” said Patrice. “We started jumping, dancing, and shouting in disbelief! It felt surreal — like something out of a fairytale.”
“We were completely lost in our own world,” Shannon added.
Dorina said they couldn’t wait to tell their significant others that they had won the Lotto Max second prize.
“None of us bothered waiting until we got home to tell our partners — we all grabbed our phones and called them immediately,” Dorina said with a laugh.
“Each call was filled with laughter and plenty of ‘You won’t believe this!’” Patrice continued. “This feels like one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments you always hear about but never expect to experience yourself.”
The co-workers have big plans with their Lotto Max windfall. Dorina wants to put her portion towards savings, investing, and sharing with her children.
Patrice also plans to focus on saving and investing, in addition to completing some home renovations.
Shannon wants to invest and take a well-deserved trip to Mexico.
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.