Four friends from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are celebrating after winning a $1-million prize in the Lotto Max draw. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced the exciting news on Tuesday, December 31. The winning ticket was purchased for the November 22 Lotto Max draw and has changed the lives of Robert Kotyk, a retiree from Mississauga, and his three close friends.
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The Lotto Max Winners: A Close-Knit Group
Robert Kotyk, a Mississauga retiree, is the newest member of a lottery group that includes Andrew Infelise from Mississauga, Paul Lehoveczki from Norval, and Robert Kenzora from Markham. The group has been playing Lotto Max together for the past eight months, buying tickets twice a week. They use the OLG’s quick pick feature to select their numbers and always add the Encore option for an extra chance to win.
Kotyk, who picked up the group’s ticket for the November 22 draw, recalled the moment when he realized they had won big.
A Surreal Moment of Discovery
Kotyk was making a routine stop for gas when he decided to buy the group’s Lotto Max tickets. When he checked the ticket and saw the $1 million prize, his reaction was one of disbelief.
“I started shaking. It was hard to believe! The store staff were very happy and helpful,” Kotyk shared in a visit to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. In a state of shock, Kotyk immediately called his wife to share the unbelievable news. “I think we just won the lottery!” he said to her.
Next, Kotyk reached out to his friends, who were equally stunned by the win. “It was surreal to share the news with them,” Kotyk added.
How the Group Plans to Use Their Lotto Max Winnings
The group has big plans for their winnings. The friends intend to use their share of the $1 million to pay off bills, mortgages, and make investments. Additionally, they are looking forward to taking vacations and enjoying the rewards of their good fortune.
Ontario Lotto Max: A Tradition of Big Wins
Since 2009, Lotto Max players in Ontario have collectively won over $8.9 billion in prizes. The cost to play Lotto Max is just $5 per ticket, with draws held every Tuesday and Friday. This latest $1-million win adds to the growing list of impressive prizes that have been awarded over the years.
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Where the Winning Ticket Was Purchased
The lucky ticket was purchased at Shell on Credit Valley Road in Mississauga, making it the place where four friends’ dreams came true.
As more Ontario residents continue to try their luck with Lotto Max, this recent win serves as a reminder of the life-changing possibilities that come with each draw.
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