Gregory Chialtas, who also goes by Greg, is the Toronto Lotto Max winner who won the massive jackpot in the draw on Friday, April 19, 2024.
The Lotto Max winning numbers that Chialtas matched to score $70 million were 6, 7, 14, 15, 28, 39 and 42.
He bought the winning ticket at the Sheppard Ticket Centre inside the Yonge-Sheppard Centre in Toronto.
Ever since he found out that he had the winning ticket for a $70 million jackpot, Chialtas couldn't wait to tell his immediate family.
"We are a very close-knit family," he told OLG during his winner celebration. "That's why I turned to them first with this incredible news."
He purchased a Lotto Max ticket for the April 19 draw while out getting groceries.
Chialtas, a single father, chose the numbers that got him the multi-million dollar prize because they are meaningful to his children, siblings and other family members.
Lotto Max winner Gregory Chialtas with a $70 million cheque.Courtesy of OLG
Chialtas checked his ticket after the draw and saw that he only matched three numbers to win a free ticket.
But he decided to check the ticket again.
"That's when I realized I was looking at the numbers from the wrong draw date," he said.
After looking at the winning numbers for the April 19 draw, he "was in total shock" because he matched all seven winning numbers.
Even then, Chialtas didn't quite believe that he actually won $70 million so he called his best friend to double-check the numbers for him.
"All the numbers still matched. It was unbelievable to us but we had to make absolutely sure I had the winning ticket" he said. "So, we decided to meet up at a store near our homes and triple-check them using the in-store ticket checker."
"When reality started to sink in, all I wanted to do was leave the store quietly, but my friend was freaking out," he continued.
Finally believing that he scored the $70 million jackpot, Chialtas FaceTimed his family but that didn't go smoothly.
"No one believed me," he revealed. "It took a bit of time to convince them it was true."
Chialtas plans to use the $70 million to travel, help his kids finish their education, buy new cars and homes for his family, and give back to his community.
But that's not all!
"I plan to adopt a rescue dog so that I can change their life for the better, just like what's happened to me," Chialtas said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, refer to these helplines across Canada. Support is available.
