The massive jackpots of Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 remained unclaimed this weekend, but several Canadians still celebrated major lottery wins.
From million-dollar prizes to substantial secondary rewards, the draws on April 25 and 26 brought joy to players across the country.
Let’s dive into the details of these exciting wins, the winning numbers, and what’s next for these popular Canadian lotteries.
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Lotto Max Draw on April 25: Millionaires Made Despite Unclaimed Jackpot
The Lotto Max draw on Friday, April 25, offered a jaw-dropping $60 million jackpot, capturing the attention of lottery enthusiasts nationwide.
The winning numbers were 05, 06, 14, 17, 31, 40, 48, with a bonus number of 02. Although no one matched all seven numbers to claim the top prize, the draw still created plenty of winners.
A lucky player from Ontario came incredibly close, matching six of the seven numbers plus the bonus number to win the second prize of $240,813.50.
According to PlayNow, the winning ticket was purchased in Ontario, making it a memorable weekend for the province.
Meanwhile, 57 players matched six of the seven numbers, sharing the third prize pool.
Each of these winners received $4,224.80, proving that Lotto Max offers multiple ways to win, even without hitting the jackpot.
The draw also featured six Maxmillions prizes, each worth $1 million.
Two players struck it rich by matching the following sets of numbers: 1, 3, 13, 21, 25, 36, 46 and 1, 16, 21, 38, 41, 44, 46.
These two new millionaires added to the excitement of the weekend, showcasing the life-changing potential of Lotto Max.
However, the Lotto Max Extra prize of $500,000 and the $1 million Encore prize went unclaimed, rolling over to the next draw.
Looking ahead, the next Lotto Max draw is set for Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The jackpot has now increased to $65 million, and with eight Maxmillions prizes also up for grabs, the draw promises even more opportunities to win big.
This growing jackpot is sure to attract a surge of players eager to test their luck.
Lotto 6/49 Draw on April 26: Ontario Shines with Multimillion-Dollar Wins
The Lotto 6/49 draw on Saturday, April 26, also delivered significant prizes, even though the $54 million Gold Ball jackpot remained untouched.
Several players across Canada walked away with substantial winnings, with Ontario once again emerging as a lucky region.
One Ontarian won the $1 million White Ball prize by matching the winning number 50234979-01.
This guaranteed prize ensures that every Lotto 6/49 draw creates at least one millionaire, adding to the game’s appeal.
Another player from Ontario hit the jackpot in the Classic Draw, securing a massive $5 million prize.
The winning numbers were 18, 22, 28, 32, 38, 44, with a bonus number of 20.
This multimillion-dollar win highlights the transformative power of Lotto 6/49, even when the Gold Ball prize goes unclaimed.
Eight players shared the second prize in the Classic Draw after matching five of the six numbers plus the bonus number.
The winners came from various regions: five from Ontario, two from Western Canada, and one from Atlantic Canada.
Each received $37,646.40, a significant amount that will undoubtedly bring joy to their lives.
Additionally, 104 players split the third prize, with each taking home $1,216.00 after matching five of the six numbers.
These smaller wins add to the widespread excitement of the draw.
In British Columbia, a player from Nanoose Bay won the Classic Draw Extra prize of $500,000 by matching the numbers 29, 40, 70, 82.
This win marked a notable success for B.C. players, though the $1 million Encore prize went unclaimed, rolling over to the next draw.
The Bigger Picture: Lotteries and Their Impact on Canadians
Lottery wins like those from this weekend do more than just create winners—they inspire hope and excitement across the country.
Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and other regional lottery organizations like Atlantic Lottery, are among Canada’s most beloved games.
They generate significant revenue, with a portion of ticket sales funding public initiatives such as healthcare, education, and community programs.
For the winners, these prizes can be life-altering.
The $5 million Classic Draw winner in Ontario, for example, now has the financial freedom to pursue dreams like buying a home, traveling, or retiring early. Similarly, the $500,000 Extra prize winner in Nanoose Bay, B.C., can look forward to a brighter financial future.
These stories resonate with players, fueling the dream of “what if” with every ticket purchased.
The unclaimed jackpots also add to the anticipation for future draws.
The $65 million Lotto Max jackpot and the $54 million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball prize (as of the last draw) are among the largest in recent months.
As Jeffrey Derevensky, a retired McGill University professor who studied problem gambling, once noted, “The bigger the jackpot, the more likely people are to play the lottery.”
This trend is evident as jackpots continue to grow, drawing in more players with each passing draw.
Lottery Trends in Canada: A Year of Big Wins
The wins from this weekend are part of a larger wave of lottery success stories in Canada throughout 2025.
Earlier this year, on January 31, Charles Coffey, an Officer of the Order of Canada, made headlines as the first recipient of this honor to win a major lottery prize, taking home $25 million in a Lotto Max draw.
Similarly, Thanh Lu of Edmonton won $30 million in a Lotto 6/49 draw on February 5, adding to the year’s roster of multimillionaires.
However, the lack of jackpot winners in recent draws has been a notable trend.
The last Lotto Max jackpot was claimed on March 28, with winning numbers 07, 13, 33, 40, 44, 49, 50 and a bonus number of 32, netting a player $65 million.
The last Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball prize was won on February 5, meaning both jackpots have been rolling over for months.
This prolonged rollover period has led to the current hefty prize amounts, making the upcoming draws some of the most anticipated of the year.
Stories of past winners also add to the allure of these games.
For instance, Robert Dormiedy of Ajax, Ontario, won $50,000 in a Lotto 6/49 draw earlier this year after braving a snowstorm to buy his ticket.
His determination paid off, and his story serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways luck can strike.
How to Play Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 Responsibly
While the thrill of a potential win is undeniable, it’s essential to approach lotteries with caution and responsibility.
Here are some tips for players:
Set a Spending Limit: Only spend what you can afford to lose.
Lotteries should be treated as a form of entertainment, not a financial strategy.
Know the Odds: The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are roughly 1 in 33.3 million, while Lotto 6/49’s Gold Ball jackpot odds depend on the number of balls remaining.
Understanding these odds can help set realistic expectations.
Enjoy the Experience: Focus on the fun of playing rather than the expectation of winning.
The anticipation of the draw is part of the excitement for many players.
Double-Check Your Tickets: As stories like Robert Dormiedy’s show, winners sometimes don’t realize their luck immediately.
Use the OLG app or visit a retailer to verify your numbers.
Play Responsibly: If playing becomes more than a casual activity, seek help.
Organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council offer resources for those who need support.
What’s Next for Canadian Lottery Players?
With the jackpots still unclaimed, the upcoming draws are generating significant buzz.
The Lotto Max draw on April 29 will feature a $65 million jackpot and eight Maxmillions prizes, offering multiple chances to become a millionaire.
Meanwhile, the next Lotto 6/49 draw, set for Wednesday, April 30, will have a Gold Ball prize estimated at $56 million, based on the rollover from the previous draw.
For players who didn’t win this weekend, these upcoming draws provide a fresh opportunity to try their luck.
Whether you’re a regular player or someone buying a ticket for the first time, the prospect of a multimillion-dollar prize is hard to resist.
As the jackpots continue to grow, the nation will be watching to see who the next big winner will be.
A Weekend of Joy and Anticipation
The weekend of April 25–26, 2025, was a memorable one for Canadian lottery players, with several celebrating significant wins.
From the $5 million Classic Draw winner in Ontario to the $500,000 Extra prize winner in Nanoose Bay, B.C., these victories highlight the widespread appeal of Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49.
While the jackpots remain unclaimed, the anticipation for the next draws is at an all-time high, with millions of dollars waiting for the next lucky player.
As Canadians continue to dream of hitting the jackpot, these lotteries remind us of the excitement and possibility that each ticket holds.
Will the next draw create a new multimillionaire?
Only time will tell, but for now, this weekend’s winners can bask in their incredible luck.
Saty updated with CTC News.
