Press release

Montréal, July 10, 2018 – The first half of 2018 was a lucky one for Quebecers. From January 1 to June 30, no fewer than 789 cheques of over $25,000 were awarded, 251 of which were issued for totals exceeding $100,000 and 77 for more than $1,000,000.

 “In 2017, the lottery produced 132 new millionaires in Quebec, surpassing the record of 104 prizes worth over $1 million set the previous year. Lady Luck made her presence felt in the first half of 2018, when over $500 million was won in the province, including 77 prizes worth over $1 million,” said Isabelle Jean, President of Lottery Operations and Vice President of Public Affairs.

Big jackpots since the beginning of the year

$60,000,000 at Lotto Max – Group of 10 shares

In the June 8 Lotto Max draw, the $60 million jackpot was won by a Drummondville group, in Centre-du-Québec. The 10 shares worth $6 million each were held by 15 persons.

Retailer: Jean Coutu (350 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Drummondville)

$10,985,156 at Lotto 6/49 – Denis Pigeon

Denis Pigeon, from the Lanaudière area, won the $10,985,156 jackpot in the June 16 Lotto 6/49 draw. He plans on using the money to spend good times with his family.

“We are, of course, thinking about lots of dreams we’d like to make come true, but we’ll take some time to think the whole thing through!” Mr. Pigeon wisely said when he came to Loto‑Québec’s offices.

Retailer: Super C (85 Boulevard Brien, Repentigny)

$9,785,890 at Lotto 6/49 – Michel and Rolande Croizié

Michel and Rolande Croizié, from Montérégie, won the $9,785,890 Lotto 6/49 jackpot in the June 9 draw. The new multi-millionaire couple plan to invest the money and treat their children and grandchildren.

Retailer: Dépanneur Centre-Ville (57 Rue du Roi, Sorel-Tracy)

$7,039,870 at Lotto 6/49 – Jean Rouillard

Eastern Townshipper Jean Rouillard won the $7,039,870 jackpot in the February 14 Lotto 6/49 draw. Unaware he had a winning ticket, he let several weeks go by before claiming his prize! When he saw a newscast announcing that Loto-Québec was looking for a winner in the Eastern Townships, Mr. Rouillard recognized the numbers he had chosen.

Retailer: Dépanneur Bergeron (299 Rue Saint-Patrice Est, Magog)

$7,000,000 at Grande Vie – Marie Immacula Lafalaise

Marie Immacula Lafalaise was happy to win the $1,000 a day for life grand prize in the March 8 Grande Vie draw. The Lanaudière resident chose the $7,000,000 lump sum instead. Her daughter had mentioned that Loto-Québec was looking for the grand prize winner. Ms. Lafalaise was stunned to discover that she was that lucky person!

Retailer: Boni-Soir (454 Boulevard Saint-Luc, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu)

$7,000,000 at Grande Vie – Group of 4

Four co-workers won $1,000 a day for life in the February 12 Grande Vie draw. Jean-Pierre D’Astous and George Spiridakis, from Montréal, as well as Stéphane Hart and Joël St-Jacques, from Montérégie, shared the $7 million lump sum.

Retailer: Dépanneur Proprio (784 Rue Lamarre, La Prairie)

$7,000,000 at Lotto 6/49 – Denis Riopel

Denis Riopel, from the Lanaudière area, won the $7,000,000 Lotto 6/49 jackpot in the June 23 draw. Accompanied by his family to pick up his cheque, he said he wanted to treat his two grandchildren, retire early and buy a home that suits his tastes.

Retailer: Dépanneur Michel Karam (662 Rue Notre-Dame, Joliette)

About Loto-Québec
Loto-Québec’s mission is to responsibly and efficiently manage games of chance in a controlled and measured fashion, in the interest of all Quebecers. Entertainment is at the heart of its activities. From January 1 to June 30, 2018, Loto-Québec paid out 77 prizes worth $1 million or more and created 63 millionaires. Gagnant à vie! and Grande Vie lotteries have provided 11 lucky winners with a lifetime annuity.