Lucie and Marc V., a couple from Hearst, Ontario, have won the $250,000 top prize on an Instant Crossword Deluxe scratch ticket. The winning ticket was purchased at a local retailer in the small northern community.
Details of the Win
The couple claimed the prize through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), which confirmed the win on June 30, 2026. According to OLG officials, Instant Crossword Deluxe is a $10 scratch ticket game with a top prize of $250,000. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1,200,000, based on OLG's published game data.
Reaction from the Winners
Lucie and Marc expressed shock and excitement upon discovering their win. “We couldn’t believe it at first,” Lucie said in an OLG statement. “We checked the ticket multiple times to make sure.” Marc added, “This is life-changing for us. We have some plans for the money, but we’re still letting it sink in.”
Impact on the Community
The win has generated buzz in Hearst, a town of approximately 5,000 residents located about 900 kilometres north of Toronto. Local retailers noted an uptick in lottery ticket sales following the announcement. OLG reminds players to play responsibly and that lottery wins are subject to standard tax regulations in Canada.
