A Lotto Max ticket worth $40 million was validated at an Ontario Lottery and Gaming terminal hours before the ticket’s October 28, 2026 expiry deadline.
The winning ticket was sold in Grey County for the October 28, 2025 Lotto Max draw.
OLG said it has contacted the person who validated the ticket, but the prize has not yet been formally awarded because the corporation must complete its ownership review.
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What happened to the $40 million Lotto Max ticket
The ticket matched all seven main numbers from the October 28, 2025 draw: 06, 14, 17, 19, 26, 43 and 45.
The bonus number was 27.
OLG had warned players that the ticket would expire at midnight on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, exactly one year after the draw.
The ticket was purchased at an authorized retailer somewhere in Grey County, but the exact sales location and identity of the buyer have not been released.
OLG review will determine who receives the jackpot
OLG said the person or people who validated the ticket are not automatically confirmed as the rightful winner.
Because the ticket was purchased from a retailer, OLG does not know who originally bought it.
The corporation’s review process is intended to establish rightful ownership before any winner celebration or public disclosure takes place.
That means the $40 million prize remains subject to the standard validation and investigation process for major OLG claims.
OLG has detailed information about the ticket, including its purchase history and other security information, which will be compared with the claimant’s account and evidence.
Why the Grey County location mattered
Grey County includes communities such as Owen Sound, Meaford, The Blue Mountains, Flesherton, Markdale, Durham and Hanover.
Before the ticket was validated, OLG urged residents, cottagers, tourists and anyone who had travelled through the region to check old lottery tickets.
The corporation said a visitor could have purchased the ticket during a day trip or cottage stay and later stored it in a wallet, vehicle, travel bag, jacket pocket or drawer.
The location of the retailer therefore did not necessarily identify where the winner lived.
What happens next for the Lotto Max winner
OLG must first complete its review before confirming whether the claimant or claimants are entitled to the jackpot.
If ownership is confirmed, OLG is expected to announce the winner or winners through its normal disclosure process.
The identities of lottery winners are generally made public after the claim has been approved, subject to OLG’s rules and procedures.
Until that process is complete, the ticket should be described as validated rather than fully paid or officially awarded.
The $40 million prize would have returned to the Lotto Max prize pool for future bonus games or promotions if the ticket had expired without a valid claim.
A rare last-minute lottery claim
OLG described a prize of this size approaching its expiry date as exceptionally rare.
The ticket had remained unclaimed for a full year despite repeated public reminders and the publication of the winning numbers.
The development underscores the importance of checking lottery tickets soon after each draw and keeping them in a secure place until they are verified.
Players can check Ontario lottery tickets through the OLG app, a self-checker at participating retailers or an authorized lottery terminal.
Winning numbers for the October 28, 2025 draw
| Draw date | Main numbers | Bonus number | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 28, 2025 | 06, 14, 17, 19, 26, 43, 45 | 27 | $40 million |
The ticket was validated on October 28, 2026, before the one-year Ontario claim deadline, but the rightful owner has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the $40 million Lotto Max prize officially paid out?
Not yet. OLG said the ticket was validated, but it must complete a review to determine the rightful owner before the prize is formally awarded.
Where was the $40 million Lotto Max ticket sold?
The ticket was sold at an authorized lottery retailer somewhere in Grey County, Ontario. OLG has not released the exact store location.
What were the winning numbers?
The numbers were 06, 14, 17, 19, 26, 43 and 45, with 27 as the bonus number.
When did the Lotto Max ticket expire?
The ticket’s one-year claim deadline was October 28, 2026, based on the October 28, 2025 draw date.
What happens after a major OLG ticket is validated?
OLG reviews the claim and supporting information to confirm rightful ownership. A winner announcement can follow once that review is complete.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, numbers, ticket location and validation details were checked against OLG information and current reports citing the corporation.
Disclaimer: The $40 million prize remains subject to OLG’s final ownership review and has not yet been publicly awarded.