A jackpot-winning Lotto Max ticket worth $40 million CAD (approximately $28 million USD) purchased in Grey County, Ontario, will expire on October 28, 2026, if the owner does not step forward. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) issued a public warning on October 5, 2026, confirming that the ticket from the Tuesday, October 28, 2025 draw remains unclaimed with only three weeks remaining before the official deadline.
Under OLG guidelines, lottery players in Ontario have exactly one calendar year from the draw date to claim prizes. If the deadline passes without a verified claim, the $40 million jackpot will be permanently forfeited. This is one of the largest unclaimed prizes in recent Canadian lottery history.
Winning numbers and ticket purchase location
The winning numbers for the October 28, 2025 Lotto Max drawing are 6, 14, 17, 19, 26, 43, and 45, with Bonus Number 27. To win the jackpot, a player must match all seven main numbers.
OLG confirmed that the winning ticket was purchased at an authorized lottery retailer in Grey County, Ontario. The county is located in the Georgian Triangle region and includes several distinct municipalities:
- Owen Sound
- Meaford
- The Blue Mountains
- Flesherton
- Markdale
- Durham
- Hanover
Because the ticket was bought at a physical retail store, OLG does not possess personal registration data for the purchaser. OLG representatives indicated that Grey County is a highly popular destination for tourists, cottagers, and seasonal visitors. This geographic factor suggests that the ticket holder may live outside the immediate area, having bought the ticket during an autumn visit before returning home without checking the draw results.
What happens if a ticket is claimed late?
OLG rules dictate a strict 12-month window for prize claims. OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonti explained that individuals attempting to claim a prize after the one-year expiration date must present an exceptional, verifiable reason to be considered for payment.
“It’s a case-by-case basis, and we determine if they’re the rightful owners of the tickets,” Bitonti said. OLG utilizes a detailed verification process that goes beyond physical possession of the paper ticket. Analysts verify details such as the specific retail store location, the precise date and time of purchase, and any other items purchased during the same transaction to establish ownership.
Where do unclaimed lottery funds go in Canada?
When major lottery prizes go unclaimed in Canada, the funds do not go to the government or general tax revenues. Instead, OLG return the entire amount to the player pool. The $40 million CAD will be redistributed to the public through future national Lotto Max promotions, bonus draws, or guaranteed prize draws.
While other jurisdictions operate under different regional structures—such as when an Iowa ticket wins $6.14 million Lotto America jackpot in October 2026 draw and state laws dictate the distribution of unclaimed state funds—Canadian lotteries maintain a strict player-return policy. Additionally, lottery winnings in Canada are entirely tax-free, meaning the ticket holder would receive the entire $40 million sum without federal or provincial income tax withholding.
How to prevent losing physical lottery tickets
Physical paper lottery tickets are easily lost, misplaced, or physically damaged. OLG advises players to check common household storage spots, including clothing pockets, vehicle glove compartments, handbags, office drawers, and backpacks. Writing a signature on the back of any physical ticket immediately after purchase helps secure it and prevents unauthorized claims.
For players looking to avoid the risk of losing a physical paper ticket, buying lottery entries online offers a secure alternative. You can purchase official lottery tickets online through verified platforms that automatically notify you of any wins and deposit smaller prizes directly into your account. Just as regional lotteries launch special seasonal options like the Kansas Lottery Holiday Millionaire Raffle launches with first Early Bird drawing scheduled for October 4, checking physical receipts or switching to digital tickets remains the most reliable way to avoid missing out on major prizes.
Lotto Max prize structure and odds of winning
Lotto Max is a nationwide Canadian lottery game with draws held every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Each play costs $5 CAD and includes three sets of seven numbers. The jackpot starts at $10 million CAD and can grow to a maximum cap of $80 million CAD. The table below outlines the prize categories and odds of winning per play.
| Match Category | Prize Allocation | Odds of Winning (per $5 play) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 of 7 (Jackpot) | 87.25% of pools fund | 1 in 33,294,800 |
| 6 of 7 + Bonus | 2.5% of pools fund | 1 in 4,756,400 |
| 6 of 7 | 2.5% of pools fund | 1 in 113,248 |
| 5 of 7 + Bonus | 1.5% of pools fund | 1 in 37,749 |
| 5 of 7 | 3.5% of pools fund | 1 in 1,841 |
| 4 of 7 + Bonus | 2.75% of pools fund | 1 in 1,105 |
| 4 of 7 | Gift prize of Free Play plus $20 | 1 in 82.9 |
| 3 of 7 + Bonus | $20.00 fixed prize | 1 in 82.9 |
| 3 of 7 | Free Play | 1 in 8.5 |
If you believe you have the winning ticket or need to initiate a claim, you can contact OLG directly by phone at 1-800-387-0098 or submit an inquiry through the OLG support portal online before the close of business on October 28, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How long do lottery winners have to claim prizes in Ontario?
Winners of draw-based lottery games in Ontario have exactly one calendar year (365 days) from the draw date to claim their prizes. Scratch-off or instant game tickets have varying expiration dates printed on the back of the tickets.
What details does OLG require to verify a winner without a physical ticket?
OLG uses a security audit system that tracks purchase details. A claimant must provide the precise retailer address, the exact date and time of purchase, payment method details, and lists of any accompanying items purchased in the same transaction.
Can you claim an Ontario lottery prize online?
You can begin the claims process online by submitting a claim registration form on the official OLG website. Physical verification is still required for high-value prizes, either via mail or through an in-person appointment at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission.
Responsible Gambling Notice: Play responsibly. Lottery is a form of entertainment, not investment. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, help is available. In Ontario, contact ConnexOntario at 1-860-531-2600 for free, confidential support.
