‘Overcome with happiness’: Windsor man wins $1 million in Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Draw

A Windsor man picked up a $1-million lottery cheque on his birthday.

Harold Worotny of Windsor won a Lotto 6/49 prize worth $1 million in the Gold Ball Draw on Jan. 8, 2025.

He says he has been playing the lottery with OLG since he was old enough to play. He purchases his Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max tickets weekly, always using OLG’s Quick Pick feature to make his selections and saying ‘yes’ to ENCORE. He is now celebrating his first big win.

“It was late in the evening, when I realized we were out of milk, so I decided to go for a walk to pick some up. While I was in line to pay, I kept thinking there was something else I needed to do. That’s when it hit me–I needed to check my tickets,” Harold said, while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings.

“When I saw the prize amount, I couldn’t contain my excitement and shouted, ‘I can’t believe it! I just won a million dollars!’ I was completely overcome with happiness,” Harold smiled. “Since it was late, I didn’t want to wake anyone up, so I called just a few people to share the incredible news. My friends and family were thrilled for me.”

“Today is my birthday, and I’m walking out of here with $1 million! This is by far the best birthday and retirement present I could have ever received,” Worotny said. “I wish everyone could feel this joy!”

He plans to pay some bills and is considering purchasing a home with the money.

The winning ticket was purchased at I & A Variety on Howard Avenue in Windsor.