Elliot Lake retiree wins $4.4 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot

A retired Elliot Lake entrepreneur won the top prize in the May 22 Lotto 6/49 draw, taking home $4,437,083.40.

In a news release issued today by OLG, Art Walters says he plans to share his winnings with his children, and plans to make a donation to assist animals in need.

“We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. For me, this win isn’t about material things," he said in the release.

Full text of the news release follows:

Arthur (Art) Walters of Elliot Lake has that “6/49 feeling” after winning a Lotto 6/49 top prize worth $4,437,083.40 in the May 22, 2021 Lotto 6/49 draw.

Art, a retired entrepreneur, said he’s been playing the lottery since the Wintario days.

“I’ve played the same numbers for decades, but this win came from a Quick Pick. I’ve been purchasing my tickets online on OLG.ca since it started.”

Art said he saw an email in his inbox and thought it was a scam.

“I logged into my OLG account and realized it was real! I didn’t question it at all because I know how secure the system is.”

After his initial shock and disbelief, Art said he immediately started to think about the people he would share with.

“I called my sons and daughter-in-law to share the good news. They didn’t believe me at first. Then I told them my plans to share with them and my future grandchildren ‘hint-hint',” he smiled.

Art feels a sense of responsibility to do good with his winnings.

“We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. For me, this win isn’t about material things. I’m going to set up trust funds to provide for my future grandchildren so they can pursue any education they want. I’ll also share with my children and will dedicate some to help animals in need,” he concluded.

Lotto 6/49 players in Ontario have won over $13 billion in prizes since 1982, including 1,405 jackpot wins and 373 Guaranteed $1 Million Prize draws. Lotto 6/49 is $3 per play and draws take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

In accordance with government-issued lockdown measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, OLG is currently limiting the number of in-person prize claim appointments at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to only those that require a face-to-face interview. Customers with prizes over $50,000 are asked to call 1-800-387-0098 to discuss available prize claim options. Prize claims up to $49,999.90 should continue to be submitted by mail. The health and safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority and OLG looks forward to providing future updates on the availability of in-person prize claims.

The winning ticket was purchased on OLG.ca.