The promise of a life-altering windfall became reality for four residents of Montreal this winter, each claiming a prize of $1 million CAD through Loto-Québec’s Extra and Banco lottery games. The lucky winners, hailing from Anjou, Pointe-Claire and Pierrefonds, have shared their initial reactions and plans for their newfound wealth, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of a lottery win. This surge in millionaires underscores the enduring appeal of lottery games in Quebec and the significant impact these prizes have on individual lives and local communities.
The recent wins are part of a broader trend of increased lottery payouts in Quebec. According to Loto-Québec, between January 1 and March 15, 2026, a remarkable 22 players across the province became millionaires. This demonstrates the continued popularity of lottery games as a source of entertainment and a pathway to financial freedom for many Quebecers. The excitement surrounding these wins extends beyond the winners themselves, as local retailers who sold the winning tickets also receive a commission of $10,000 each, representing 1% of the prize money.
Million-Dollar Dreams Realized
Maria Vommaro experienced a moment of disbelief and elation on March 3rd when she discovered she had won $1 million with an Extra ticket. She recounted to Loto-Québec that the moment she and her husband saw the winning numbers, they were “as excited” as they were when they learned she was pregnant. The winning ticket was purchased at a Pharmaprix located at 8222 Maurice-Duplessis Boulevard in Anjou. Vommaro plans to employ the winnings to pay off her mortgage and provide for her family, a common and practical aspiration among lottery winners.
For Shamila Ahmadi and Mohammad Enzebati, the winning moment came on January 29th with a Banco ticket. According to the couple, Mohammad consistently purchases the tickets, while Shamila is considered the “lucky charm.” Mohammad discovered the $1 million prize while using a self-service ticket checker at a Supermarché Laviolette in Pointe-Claire. He immediately called Shamila at work to share the incredible news, which she initially struggled to believe until the official prize claim at Loto-Québec. The couple intends to use the funds to pay off their mortgage and embark on a trip to Spain.
Epaminondas Roussakis’s win was equally dramatic. On January 22nd, while checking his Extra ticket on the Loto-Québec mobile app, he initially thought he had won $1,000. However, upon retrieving his glasses, he realized his prize was a staggering $1 million. Roussakis immediately called for his sons to share the news, and after verifying the ticket together, they confirmed the life-changing win. With retirement approaching, Roussakis plans to use the money to visit family in Greece. The winning ticket was purchased at an IGA Maxi & Cie located at 4849 Saint-Jean Boulevard in Pierrefonds.
Loto-Québec’s Impact and Responsible Gaming
Loto-Québec has been a cornerstone of entertainment in Quebec for over 55 years, contributing significantly to the province’s economy and community initiatives. In 2025, the organization distributed over $1.7 billion in prizes and created 105 millionaires across Quebec, a record-breaking achievement. Loto-Québec also awarded nearly 20 lifetime annuities, further demonstrating its commitment to providing substantial prizes to its players. Information about past winners can be found on the Loto-Québec website: https://loteries.lotoquebec.com/fr/gagnants.
Beyond the financial rewards, Loto-Québec emphasizes responsible gaming practices. The organization holds the highest international certification for responsible gambling, awarded by the World Lottery Association. This commitment reflects a dedication to ensuring that lottery games remain a form of entertainment while minimizing potential harm. Loto-Québec’s dedication to responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of its operations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all players.
Recent Lottery Winners in Quebec (March 2026)
Recent winners across various Loto-Québec games in March 2026 include Sylvain Masse of Lanaudière, who won $40,000 in the Banco game, and Jocelyn Plante of Chaudière-Appalaches, who secured a $25,000 prize in the Astro game. Maria Vommaro’s $1,000,000 Extra win stands out as one of the largest prizes awarded this month. A comprehensive list of winners can be found on the Loto-Québec website: https://loteries.lotoquebec.com/loteries/en/winners?np=12&p=0§ion=2.
The stories of these recent winners highlight the diverse ways in which lottery prizes can impact individuals and families. From paying off mortgages to fulfilling travel dreams and securing financial futures, the winnings offer a chance to achieve long-held aspirations. The impact extends beyond the winners themselves, as the commissions paid to retailers contribute to local businesses and economies.
Looking ahead, Loto-Québec will continue to offer a range of lottery games and prizes, providing opportunities for Quebecers to dream substantial and potentially transform their lives. The organization’s commitment to responsible gaming and community support will remain central to its operations, ensuring that lottery games continue to be a source of entertainment and positive impact for years to come. The next update on lottery winners and prize payouts is expected in April 2026, as Loto-Québec releases its quarterly report.
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