In an incredible twist of luck, three Ontario residents are celebrating after splitting a $1 million Maxmillions prize in the December 3, 2024, Lotto Max draw. Each winner walked away with $333,333.40, adding a significant boost to their bank accounts.
Table of Contents
December’s $80 Million Lotto Max Jackpot Made Headlines
The December 3 Lotto Max draw was a notable one, with the jackpot climbing to a staggering $80 million. The massive prize was split between Jean Lamontagne of Quebec and Matthew Tannas of Manitoba. But the excitement didn’t stop there—30 Maxmillions prizes were also up for grabs, including the $1 million prize shared by three lucky Ontarians.
Meet the Lucky Winners
Each winner has a unique story about their path to winning and their plans for the windfall.
“For a Solid 30 Minutes, I Stood There in Silence” – Baladeva Manickarasa
Toronto resident Baladeva Manickarasa, 43, has been playing the lottery for 17 years, using a combination of family birthdays to select his numbers. His persistence paid off when he checked his ticket over breakfast with his family.
“For a solid 30 minutes, I stood there in silence, trying to process my win,” he shared. “My heart was beating so fast. All I could think was that there was no way this could be real. It was definitely a life-altering moment!”
Despite his excitement, Manickarasa has struggled to convince his wife of the win. “She still thinks I’m pranking her,” he said. “I can’t wait to have the cheque in hand and show her that I really won!”
Manickarasa plans to use his winnings to buy a home for his family, calling the experience a blessing. “I hope I can do this again someday!”
“At First, I Thought I’d Won $333” – Sharon Gillan
Hamilton resident Sharon Gillan learned of her life-changing win while sitting in her car before work. The shipping and receiving employee decided to check her ticket using the OLG app.
“At first, I thought I’d won $333 and had a giggle at the amount,” she recalled. “But then I realized there were more threes! I had to take a moment to catch my breath. It was hard to believe I’d won!”
Gillan shared the exciting news with her coworkers and plans to invest her winnings while also treating herself to a celebratory trip to New Zealand. She hopes this win isn’t her last, saying, “I hope I can do this again someday!”
“It Takes Just One Ticket” – Martin Hester
Courtice resident Martin Hester, a manufacturing worker and father of three, also found himself $333,333.40 richer after the December 3 draw. Hester regularly plays Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, but this marks his first major win.
“It wasn’t until I scanned my ticket on the OLG app that I realized I had won,” he said. “I was shocked and, of course, very happy! I shared the news with my family, and their reactions were the same as mine. They were surprised and excited for me.”
Hester plans to use his winnings to pay off bills and take his family on a vacation. Reflecting on his win, he shared some advice for aspiring lottery players: “It takes just one ticket. If you don’t play, you can’t win!”
Welland Resident’s Lottery Win Under OLG Insider Rules Review
$10k OLG Lotto Max Encore Prize in Ottawa Valley Remain Unclaimed: Time is Running Out!
Ontario mom of 7 wins $5M lottery, plans to buy accessible home and treat herself to a sandwich
A Life-Changing Moment for Three Ontarians
The December 3 Lotto Max draw will undoubtedly be a date to remember for Manickarasa, Gillan, and Hester. Their shared prize highlights the joy and unpredictability of lottery wins. As they each plan their next steps, their stories serve as a reminder that dreams can come true—and sometimes, it only takes one ticket.
Leave a Reply