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By rdnewsNOW Staff

85 NEW MILLIONAIRES

2024 a big year for lotto wins in western and northern Canada

Dec 31, 2024 | 10:30 AM

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) has released its recap of the year, and in western and northern Canada, 85 new millionaires shared in more than $319.3 million in winnings.

In Alberta, there were 55 millionaire wins totalling $237.3 million. Calgary saw 22 prize wins totalling more than $108.3 million, and Edmonton was home to 12 winners who raked in more than $23 million in prizes.

Officials say the largest win of the year was a $70 million LOTTO MAX prize, won in the Jan. 16 draw by a player from Beaverlodge, Alta. At the time of the win, $70 million was the largest prize offered on any Canadian game.

In September, LOTTO MAX saw a change to the maximum possible jackpot, increasing it from $70 million to $80 million. Officials say that to date, two $80 million jackpots have been won across the country, each shared by two tickets.

An $80 million jackpot won in December saw one winning ticket purchased in the prairies, with $40 million going to a Hamiota, Man. local. The winner, a fire fighter, paramedic and hunting guide, said he is looking forward to sharing his win with his family and getting his kids safe, reliable vehicles.

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In June, a Calgary local won $66 million on their LOTTO 6/49 ticket, the region’s second largest win in 2024. At the time, the winner commented he was looking forward to retiring and travelling.

In Saskatchewan, 11 people became millionaires after $17 million in winnings and in Manitoba, the same number of winners added $53 million to their wallets.

The Northwest Territories saw four $1 million prizes awarded to residents and two $1 million awards went to Yukon locals.

For lower prize wins, Winnipeg saw nine wins totalling more than $14 million in prizes while Regina saw one winner take home $2 million. In Saskatoon, one lucky winner took home $1 million.

Officials remind residents that lottery games are designed to be a source of fun and recreation while serving as a fundraiser for priority programs and services throughout the region.

Officials say the 85 million-dollar wins in the region are only a percentage of the total prizes awarded to 2024 players. An additional 1,500 tickets won prizes between $10,000 and $1 million this year, adding another $82 million to the tally.

Beyond those major wins, millions of smaller prizes, ranging from free tickets to $2, $5, $10 and beyond, are won in western Canada and the north annually, says the WCLC.