Stanley Daniells of Victoria, B.C., was at first skeptical when he received an email from PlayNow informing him he’d won $1 million in the Aug. 13, 2024, Lotto Max Draw. The day became even more special when Daniells realized he had won on his girlfriend’s birthday, and she was the first person he told.
“Her reaction was, ‘This is the best birthday present ever!’” said Daniells.
Initially unsure if the email was real, he recalled, “I got an email saying that my PlayNow account was over the limit. I thought it might be a scam, but then I checked my account and thought instead I must be dreaming.”
With his winnings, Daniells is looking forward to paying off his mortgage, completing some home renovations, and treating himself to a well-deserved holiday. The jury is still out on how he celebrated his girlfriend’s birthday.
Reflecting on his win, he said, “It’s surreal. It means I will be debt free, and it bumps up my retirement fund.”
Daniells purchased the winning ticket on PlayNow.com, the only legal, regulated gambling website in B.C., where residents can buy lottery tickets, place sports bets, and play online casino games. His winning numbers — 1, 2, 9, 17, 20, 24, 38 — were matched as part of the Maxmillion prizes.
Lotto Max is a nationwide game available to Canadians across all provinces and territories, offers players the chance to win big with draws every Tuesday and Friday. With a $5 per play cost, players can select their numbers or opt for a quick pick for their chance at joining the ranks of lucky winners.
So far in 2024, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $100 million in Lotto Max prizes, making it one of the most popular games in the country.
Tools to stop gambling
If you’re looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.