‘A wonderful sense of security’: Ottawa friends win $1 million with Lotto Max

Two Ottawa friends are $1 million richer after winning a Maxmillions prize in the Lotto Max draw that happened Nov. 22, 2024. (Lotto Max/ handout)

Two Ottawa friends are $1 million richer after winning a Maxmillions prize in the Lotto Max draw that happened Nov. 22, 2024.

Longtime friends, Gail Cook and Leslie Mitchell, say they have been playing the lottery for multiple years.

“I took our ticket to the store to have it validated, not knowing if it was a winner,” said Cook from the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.

Cook notes that neither her nor Mitchell believed it when they knew that they had won.

“When the clerk confirmed we’d won $1 million, I couldn’t believe it—and neither could Leslie when I shared the incredible news,” said Cook.

The two friends say that the good news is life-changing.

“(It) brings us a wonderful sense of security,” the two friends said.

“We’re very grateful for this prize.”

Since 2009, Ontario players have won over $8.9 billion. This includes 111 jackpot wins and 937 Maxmillions prizes across the province.

Lotto Max draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The winning ticket was sold at Rexall on Carling Avenue in Ottawa.