An Etobicoke man is celebrating a life-changing windfall after winning $1 million from an Encore lottery ticket. Emanuel C., a resident of the west-end Toronto neighbourhood, described the moment he realized he had won big.
“I was checking my ticket and saw the Encore numbers matched. I couldn’t believe it. I called my mom and said, ‘Mom, I think I won $1 million.’ She didn’t believe me at first,” Emanuel recalled in a statement released by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
The winning ticket was purchased at a local convenience store in Etobicoke. Emanuel, who plans to use the money to pay off his mortgage and invest for his family’s future, said the win still feels surreal.
Recent Lottery Wins in Ontario
This latest win is part of a series of large lottery prizes awarded across the province in recent months. In March, a Mississauga couple won $10 million from Lotto 6/49, while a Toronto man claimed $1 million from a scratch-off ticket in February.
OLG officials note that Encore, an add-on game available for most lottery draws, offers players a chance to win up to $1 million for an extra $1 per play. The odds of winning the top Encore prize are 1 in 10 million.
How Encore Works
Encore is an optional add-on for Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and Ontario 49 tickets. Players select a 10-digit number or opt for a Quick Pick, and if their number matches the drawn Encore number in exact order, they win the top prize. Smaller prizes are awarded for matching fewer digits.
OLG recommends that all winners sign the back of their ticket immediately and contact the lottery corporation to claim their prize. Prizes must be claimed within one year of the draw date.
Community Reaction
News of the win has sparked excitement in Etobicoke, with many residents hoping for similar luck. Local store owners reported a slight uptick in lottery ticket sales since the announcement.
“It’s always nice to hear about a local winner. It gives everyone a little hope,” said one resident.
Emanuel’s win serves as a reminder of the life-changing potential of lottery games, though OLG encourages responsible gambling. For more information on lottery odds and responsible play, visit the OLG website.
