‘We’re millionaires:’ $1 Encore draw turns into $1M for eastern Ontario resident

A Selby man won $1 million after matching Encore in the Lotto 6/49 drawing on May 17, 2025.

John Dowling, a retired father of two, had his life turned upside down after matching all seven Encore numbers. He has been playing the lottery for years and always adds to Encore using Quick Pick.

He found out he had won when he was validating his ticket at a Petro-Canada in Napanee. The machine malfunctioned and a call from OLG confirmed the jackpot.

John broke the news to his wife with a sense of wonder while they were walking their dog. They then surprised her with the amazing news of their win.

“When I got home, I asked my son, who was there, ‘What kind of car do you want?’” John said with a smile. "Then I called my other son and asked him the same question," he continued. "It wasn't until later that day that I told them I had won a million dollars. They were overjoyed!"

Dowling plans to buy a new car, invest and share his winnings with his family.

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