‘In disbelief’: King City, Ont. man mistakes $10M Lotto Max win for $10K

A King City, Ontario man has shared how he mistakenly believed he had won $10,000 from the Lotto Max jackpot before realizing he had actually struck a $10 million fortune. The revelation came after he checked his Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) account on May 29 while watching a family member participate in a baseball tournament. Brandon G., who lives in King City, said he initially thought he had won $10,000. He later noticed the extra zeros in the amount and realized the true value of his prize. “I initially thought I’d won $10,000. Then I noticed the extra zeros and realized it was $10 million,” he explained. Brandon said he only logged into his OLG account after receiving multiple emails from the organization, which he initially assumed were spam. The discovery left him and his partner in disbelief. They were surrounded by people in the bleachers during the tournament, making it difficult to process the news immediately. “We were both in disbelief. It was exciting, but we knew it wouldn’t feel real until the $10 million hit my bank account,” Brandon said. Despite the life-changing win, Brandon expressed no immediate plans to stop working. He emphasized that the money will provide long-term financial security for his family. “Despite the windfall, I plan to keep working,” he said. “The money gives my family long-term financial security.” Brandon outlined his intentions for the winnings, stating he hopes to invest most of the funds. However, he also mentioned plans for family travel, including visits to baseball stadiums across the United States and a trip to Edmonton to watch the Oilers play. Italy and Greece are also on the family’s travel wish list. The win holds special significance for Brandon, as he and his late father used to check lottery tickets together. “While it may seem like a small thing, it was always fun spending time together checking our tickets. My dad would have really enjoyed this win,” he reflected. The OLG confirmed the details of the win, noting that Brandon’s ticket matched all the required numbers for the May 29 Lotto Max draw. The corporation has since reached out to him to discuss the next steps in claiming his prize. While the exact timing of when the funds will be available remains unclear, Brandon said he is focused on moving forward with his plans. As the story spreads, local media have highlighted the emotional impact of the win, particularly given the personal connection to his late father. Friends and family have expressed their support, acknowledging the significance of the moment for Brandon and his loved ones. With the potential for the $10 million to change the course of his life, Brandon remains grounded, focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of luck and the unexpected ways it can shape one's life.