Ontario Woman Wins $100,000 Lottery Prize from Brother’s Gift

A heartfelt gesture from a brother led to a significant lottery win for an Ontario woman. Hamedah Chan, a resident of Richmond Hill, matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order during the May 16 Lotto Max draw, resulting in a prize of $100,000. This win marks a remarkable moment for Chan, who has been a dedicated player with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for over 15 years.

Chan typically plays once a week, favoring popular games such as Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and Ontario 49. She often utilizes the OLG’s Quick Pick feature to select her numbers and consistently adds the Encore option to her tickets. Her strategy proved fruitful this time, as the mother of three celebrated her first major lottery win.

During a recent visit to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto, Chan shared how her winning ticket came to be. “My brother had bought two Lotto Max tickets and gave one to me,” she recounted. Almost a month after the draw, he inquired if she had checked the ticket yet.

While running errands, Chan decided to have both tickets validated at a local store. “I handed both tickets to the cashier and asked her to check them for me. She validated the first one and gave me $20,” she explained. “Then she scanned the second one and told me it was a big win! It took me a while to take it in. I was confused, shocked, and excited all at once, but I tried to keep myself calm.”

Once home, Chan joyfully shared the news with her husband, who was equally thrilled. “He was very happy and grateful,” she said with a smile. Later that day, she called her brother to reveal the surprise. “Guess what? I won!” she exclaimed, leaving him in disbelief.

Looking ahead, Chan plans to use her lottery winnings for her children’s education, pay off bills, and share the fortune with her family. “You see people winning all the time, but when it happens to you, it feels surreal — like a dream. I’m incredibly grateful for this win,” she concluded.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Circle K location on Humber College Boulevard in Etobicoke. As with all forms of gambling, including lotteries, participants are reminded that outcomes are based on chance, and it is essential to gamble responsibly. Individuals experiencing signs of gambling-related issues are encouraged to seek help and utilize available resources.