08-05-2025
Ontario 49: Man keeps big lottery win a secret from his family for months
When Cezar Corbillon checked his Ontario 49 lottery ticket and saw $50,000, he kept quiet. The Toronto building operator had won the second prize in the July 17, 2024 draw and decided to tell absolutely no one.
'I haven't told anyone about my win,' said Corbillon in March 2025, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings.
'Until today, it was a secret between me and the ticket checker.'
Corbillon's strategy? Play it cool, say nothing, and wait until the money lands in his hands before telling his family.
'I look forward to surprising my family once I receive my cheque,' he said.
For over 15 years, Corbillon has been a faithful lottery player, regularly playing Ontario 49, Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and Pick-3. He always says yes to Encore and prefers choosing his own numbers — a personal ritual that finally paid off.
Though he's had a few modest wins in the past, this was his first major prize.
'When I purchased my Ontario 49 ticket, I placed it in my wallet and went about my day,' said Corbillon.
'After the draw, I used the store's ticket checker to see how I did. When I realized it was a winning ticket, I quietly tucked my ticket back into my wallet. I was happy on the inside and couldn't hold back the smile on my face.'
With his prize money, Corbillon plans to pay off some bills. He purchased the lucky ticket at Harrington's Convenience on Milner Avenue in Scarborough.
Ontario 49 is a $1 per play game with draws held every Wednesday and Saturday. Each play includes one set of six numbers between 1 and 49. Matching all six numbers wins the $2 million jackpot, but second prize — like Corbillon's — can also make a big impact.
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.
