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A Selby man is celebrating a life-changing win after matching all seven Encore numbers in the May 17, 2025, Lotto 6/49 draw.
John Dowling, a retired father of two, won $1 million after saying yes to Encore. He’s been playing the lottery for decades and always adds Encore using Quick Pick.
He discovered the win when validating his ticket at a Napanee Petro-Canada on County Road 41. The terminal froze, and a call from OLG confirmed the big prize.
Overcome with emotion, Dowling broke the news to his wife while she was out walking the dog. The couple then surprised their sons with the news.
“When I got home, I asked my son who was there at the time, ‘What kind of car do you want?’ Then I called my other son and asked him the same question,” John recalled with a grin. “It wasn’t until later that day that I told them I’d won $1 million. They were thrilled!”
Dowling plans to buy a new vehicle, invest, and share his winnings with family.
Written by Emily Chatwood
