As the Easter long weekend approaches, residents across the Durham Region are eyeing a massive financial windfall. The Lotto Max jackpot for the Friday, April 3, 2026, draw has reached its $70 million cap. In addition to the main prize, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has confirmed an estimated 10 Maxmillion prizes, each worth $1 million, bringing the total prize pool to a staggering $80 million.
How Ontarians Plan to Share the Wealth
With the jackpot at its peak, the OLG recently conducted a survey to see how winners in Ontario might handle such a life-changing sum. The results suggest a high level of generosity among locals:
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80% of respondents stated they would donate a portion of their winnings to charity.
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75% said they would share the prize if the winning ticket had been received as a gift.
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Only 1% of those surveyed claimed they would keep the entire amount for themselves.
In cities like Oshawa, Whitby, and Pickering, residents have until 10:30 p.m. on Friday to purchase tickets at authorized retailers or online via the OLG website.
Big Changes Coming to Lotto Max This Month
Beyond this weekend’s massive draw, the OLG has announced significant structural changes to the Lotto Max jackpot system starting April 14, 2026. These updates are designed to increase the excitement and the frequency of wins.
Under the new format, the maximum jackpot will be raised from $70 million to $90 million. To accommodate these larger prizes, the price of a ticket will adjust to $6, which will now include four selections of seven numbers (instead of three). The number range will also expand to 1–52. Most importantly for players in Ajax, Clarington, and the northern townships, every draw will now feature multiple $100,000 prizes and improved overall odds of winning any prize.
Supporting the Community
The OLG remains a provincial Crown agency, meaning the profits generated from ticket sales in the Durham Region and beyond are funneled back into the province. These funds support critical public programs, healthcare services, and community infrastructure. Whether you are playing in Uxbridge, Scugog, or Brock, your participation contributes to the broader provincial economy while offering a chance at a record-breaking retirement. As the jackpot nears its limit, the excitement across the region continues to build ahead of the holiday weekend.
