Scarborough woman wins $1 million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball prize after forgetting ticket in bag

62-year-old Laurie M. claiming the seven-figure prize (OLG photo).

A Scarborough, Ont., woman says she can retire and “finally enjoy the little things in life” after recently finding a lottery ticket she left in her bag and discovering it was a $1 million winner.

The winning ticket was drawn on May 6, 2026.

Laurie M., 62, says she has played OLG lottery games twice a week for about 25 years but only discovered the win after remembering a ticket she had left sitting in her bag for several days.

“As the store clerk was scanning my ticket, I said, ‘I think I won three Free Plays.’ The clerk looked at me and said, ‘Ma’am, you won more than just three Free Plays!’ That’s when she told me I had won $1 million. I immediately started shaking, and I think my heart nearly stopped,” she said in a news release.

‘Tears of pure happiness’

Laurie added that the realization left her overwhelmed and crying tears of happiness.

“I began crying tears of pure happiness. Even during the ride home, I couldn’t process that I had just become a lottery winner. It was one of the most overwhelming, emotional, and unforgettable moments of my life. I still have goosebumps thinking back to that initial moment,” she told officials.

She said family and friends initially thought she was joking when she shared the news.

“Most of them thought I was joking at first because the news was so unbelievable. I said, ‘Trust me — I can’t believe it either!’" she said.

‘I’m already planning a trip’

Laurie says she plans to use part of her winnings to travel, beginning with a trip to London and, eventually, Scotland and other destinations across Europe.

“I’m already planning a trip to London. After that, I’d love to visit Scotland — it’s been a dream destination of mine for years. I hope to explore more of Europe as well and take my time experiencing different cultures.”

The win, she says, will also allow her to retire and focus on interests she previously did not have time to pursue.

“This win means I can retire and finally enjoy the little things in life. I’m looking forward to having more time for hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and living life at a slower pace,” she said, adding that one of those hobbies is painting.

“There have been many painting classes I’ve wanted to take over the years, but they were always during my work hours. Now, I can sign up and enjoy something I’ve always wanted to do. I feel incredibly fortunate, grateful, and excited for what the future holds.”

Lotto 6/49’s Classic Draw offers a fixed $5 million jackpot, while the Gold Ball Draw guarantees a $1 million prize or the growing jackpot, which starts at $10 million and can exceed $60 million.