Jean Lamontagne, a 60-year-old resident of Montréal, is living proof that consistency pays off. After years of playing his chosen numbers online, Lamontagne struck gold on the Dec. 3, 2024, Lotto Max draw, winning half of the game’s historic $80 million jackpot. His $40 million prize was more than enough to prompt an early retirement — and to treat his colleagues to a goodbye pizza party.
“I started shaking,” Lamontagne recalled of the moment he realized he had won. “I closed the app, I turned off my phone, I restarted my phone.”
Lamontagne was at work at a factory when he found out he was now a multi-millionaire. He decided to first share the news with his boss, letting him know he’d be retiring earlier than planned. His boss, though stunned, offered his support.
“Good luck, go home.” he told Lamontagne, even offering to call him a taxi.
A few days later, the winner returned to his workplace to celebrate with his colleagues, treating them to a pizza party as a chance to say goodbye.
Lamontagne officially claimed his prize on Dec. 9 at the Casino de Montréal. Surrounded by loved ones, he said that ensuring his family’s financial security is his top priority.
“I’m going to stay earthbound,” Lamontagne said, adding that he plans to invest in real estate to secure his children’s financial future. Part of his winnings will go toward purchasing multiplexes for his children, his brother, and his sisters-in-law.
As for the holidays, Lamontagne insists it will be a simple affair. “It’s going to be a normal Christmas with normal gifts,” he said.
“Just me and my family spending magical moments together.”
For Lamontagne, this lottery win isn’t all about financial investments. He is also set to fulfill a lifelong dream with a several-month-long trip to Europe.
Lamontagne’s ticket was one of two to match the winning numbers: 9, 14, 21, 26, 29, 32 and 41. This marks the second time in Lotto Max history that the $80 million jackpot has been won. Both times, the prize was split with a Quebecer.
“We’re thrilled that part of the $80 million jackpot was won in Québec again! The very first jackpot of this magnitude was also partly won here in September,” said Isabelle Jean, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Lottery Games at Loto-Québec.
Several major prizes have been won in Québec since September began. One jackpot of $50,000,000, one of $32,000,000 and three of $5,000,000 were won with Lotto 6/49.
Jean-François Bergeron, CEO of Loto-Québec, celebrated Lamontagne’s big win. “This is what dreams are made of,” he said. “We’re thrilled to help Quebecers like Mr. Lamontagne make their long-held dreams come true.”
Lotto Max is a nationwide game offering Canadians the chance to win big every Tuesday and Friday. Tickets start at $5, and players can opt for a quick pick or choose their own numbers. With jackpots that can reach up to $80 million — and additional Maxmillions prizes — Lotto Max continues to make dreams come true for players across the country.
If you’re looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.
