Toronto, Canada – A soon-to-be retiree from Paris, Ontario, is celebrating a life-changing windfall after winning a LOTTO MAX secondary prize worth $217,403.60 in the January 17, 2025 draw.
Ute Schram, who has been a loyal lottery player with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for more than two decades, discovered her substantial win during a routine ticket check. The mother of two and grandmother of four regularly purchases her LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49 Quick Pick tickets, along with ENCORE, as part of her weekly tradition.
Schram, who is set to retire in two weeks, described the moment she realized she had won as surreal.
“It was a Saturday morning when I used the OLG app to check my tickets, and there it was. It was very exciting,” Schram recounted while claiming her winnings at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. “My husband was sitting across from me, so I said, ‘You have to see this!’ We were both thrilled.”
The timing of the win couldn’t be more perfect for Schram, who is preparing to step into retirement. She called the experience “out-of-body” and admitted she never imagined she would win such a significant amount.
“I never thought I’d win big, but when it happened, it was a beautiful, life-altering feeling,” she said. “I’m retiring in two weeks, so the timing is perfect. This is such a fantastic gift.”
Before sharing the news with her family, Schram waited until she had the cheque in her hands. Now, she looks forward to using her winnings to enrich her life and the lives of her loved ones.
“I look forward to travelling, sharing with my children, and setting up educational funds for my grandchildren,” she said.
The OLG, which oversees lottery and gaming operations in Ontario, continues to encourage responsible gaming while celebrating the success of its winners. LOTTO MAX draws are held every Tuesday and Friday, with jackpots reaching up to $70 million, plus additional MAXMILLIONS prizes when the main jackpot exceeds $50 million.
As Schram embarks on this new chapter in life, she does so with a significant financial boost and a future full of opportunities.
About OLG
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is a government agency that delivers gaming entertainment across the province. The revenue generated by OLG helps support health care, amateur sports, and community development initiatives. OLG encourages players to play responsibly and seek support if gambling becomes a concern.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
