Emidio S. Claims $46 Million Lottery Prize from $44 Million Lotto 6/49 Draw

Emidio S. won a $46 million lottery prize tied to the $44 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot from the March 11 draw, and he heard about it while driving to work in Jarvis, Ont. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation announced the win on Friday, after he had already stopped the car to check his OLG.ca account.

He said he did not hear the amount when he first learned the Gold Ball prize had been won in Ontario. After seeing six zeros in an email and logging back in to his account to see the $44 million figure again, he stayed out of work and told his wife.

Emidio S. and OLG.ca

Emidio S. said he buys his lottery tickets on OLG.ca, which is why he checked his email during his early commute rather than waiting until he reached work. Jarvis is approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Hamilton, and he heard the news on the radio before pulling over.

He said, “I would usually wait until I got to work to check my email because I buy my lottery tickets on OLG.ca” and added, “But something told me to stop the car and check right away.”

Jarvis commuter plans

At the winner celebration at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto on Friday, he said his first priority is to take his wife on vacation. He said they used to travel a bit before COVID, and he wants to see her relax on a beach again.

He also said he and his wife plan to use some of the money to help their kids. “I’m hoping they’ll be able to live out their ambitions and careers on their own terms, rather than simply working to pay the bills,” he said. He added, “Now I get to help the people who are most important to me.”

OLG Prize Centre Toronto

His reaction was immediate: “I never thought this would happen to me. Now, I believe it. My heart is so full.” He also said, “I’ve always focused on health and happiness for my family and loved ones.”

The win gives him a cash windfall, but his own description of the next steps is personal rather than financial. He said he wanted to tell his wife first, then use the prize to buy time, travel again, and give his children more room to shape their own work and lives.