A resident of Belle River, Ontario, is starting the new year as a millionaire after a stunning lottery win. Tricia Malone has claimed a $1 million prize from the Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Draw, according to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
A Life-Changing Win for an Ontario Resident
The winning ticket was purchased in the Windsor-Essex County community of Belle River. The OLG confirmed the win on January 08, 2026. For Malone, this windfall represents a monumental shift in fortune, offering new possibilities for her and her family.
The Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Draw is a popular national lottery game that offers players two ways to win: through the classic draw or a separate Gold Ball Draw where the jackpot can reach staggering amounts or be a fixed $1 million prize.
How the Winning Moment Unfolded
While the exact details of how Malone discovered her win have not been fully disclosed, the OLG released a photo of the winner with her oversized cheque. Such wins are typically validated at an OLG prize centre, where winners receive financial planning advice.
This win adds to the list of recent major lottery successes in Ontario, demonstrating that life-changing prizes are always within reach for players across the province.
What Comes Next for the Winner?
Winning a lump sum of $1 million provides immense financial freedom. Winners often use such funds for paying off mortgages, investing for the future, helping family, or fulfilling long-held personal dreams. The OLG emphasizes that all prizes are paid out in a lump-sum, tax-free cash amount.
Malone's story serves as an exciting reminder for lottery players everywhere. It underscores the unpredictable thrill of the game and the potential for an ordinary day to transform into an extraordinary one with the right numbers.
