Ontario couple vows to play Lotto 6/49 for a year — then wins $2.5M jackpot
Last fall, Blaine Parrington and Evelyne Rainville made a simple pact: they'd play Lotto 6/49 every Wednesday for one year and see what happened. Six months in, the Sturgeon Falls, Ont., couple found themselves $2.5 million richer.
The couple's $3 Lotto 6/49 ticket matched the winning numbers in the April 2, 2025 Classic Draw. Their ticket was one of two that split the $5 million jackpot.
While the retirees have been casual lottery players for nearly 15 years, dabbling in both jackpot and Instant games, this was their first major win.
'I scanned our Lotto 6/49 ticket on the store's ticket checker and saw the 'Big Winner' message. When I asked the store clerk to validate our ticket, the lottery terminal froze. An OLG representative called and confirmed we'd won $2.5 million,' said Parrington.
'I was amazed and shocked. It was a feeling that can't be explained into words.'
With happy tears in his eyes, he rushed home to share the life-changing news with his loved ones.
'I was astonished,' Rainville said, recalling the moment she found out they were now millionaires.
'That afternoon, we had family over and told them about our winning ticket. Everyone was very happy for us, including our son, whom we video chatted with and sent a picture of the validation slip. It was a surreal and exceptionally overwhelming moment.'
Parrington also shared the exciting news with his daughter, whose reaction was one he won't forget.
'I reached out to my daughter, but she was busy and had to call me back,' said Parrington.
'After seeing the text message I'd sent her, she returned my call. When I answered, she was singing the Barenaked Ladies song, 'If I Had $1,000,000.' It was such a wholesome moment.'
The funny response was a reminder of how surreal this win felt for Parrington and Rainville — and how much joy it brought their entire family. With the prize now in hand, the couple is looking forward to a more relaxed and fulfilling chapter of life.
'I enjoy fishing, so I'm looking to buy a new boat,' said Parringon.
'I'd like to upgrade my car, and we'd love to plan a trip within Canada to see the Rocky Mountains,' added Rainville. 'We'll also share this prize with our children and grandchildren, complete some renovations, and make some investments for our future.'
The duo's winning numbers were 18, 26, 35, 40, 43, 47, and the ticket was purchased at RX Drug Mart on King Street in Sturgeon Falls, Ont.
Lotto 6/49 gives players a chance to win two jackpots every Wednesday and Saturday for $3 per play. The Classic Draw offers a fixed $5 million jackpot, while the Gold Ball Draw guarantees at least $1 million — or a growing jackpot that starts at $10 million and can climb past $60 million.
From a playful weekly tradition to a multi-million dollar win, Parrington and Rainville are proof that sometimes all it takes is one good idea and a little bit of luck.
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.
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