Alberta Nets More than 319 Million in 2024 Lottery Winnings

Author

The AB Post
January 01, 2025

The year 2024 proved to be extraordinarily lucky for lottery enthusiasts across the Prairie Provinces, with Alberta taking the lead in both the number of winners and total prize money. According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), 85 new millionaires emerged in western and northern Canada, collectively winning more than $319.3 million.

Alberta’s Winning Streak

Alberta dominated the lottery landscape with an impressive 55 millionaire wins, amounting to a staggering $237.3 million in prizes. This significant lead is largely attributed to the province’s larger population and higher lottery ticket sales. WCLC data reveals that 60% of its sales come from Alberta, compared to 20% each from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Notable Alberta Wins

Among Alberta’s lottery success stories:

  • Brian Hoover from Beaverlodge took home the year’s largest prize of $70 million in the January 16 Lotto Max draw.

  • A Calgary man claimed $66 million in a Lotto 6/49 draw in June.

City-Specific Luck

Calgary emerged as the province’s luckiest city, boasting 22 wins totaling over $108.3 million. Edmonton followed with 12 winners sharing more than $23 million in prizes. These numbers highlight the influence of larger populations and higher ticket sales in these cities.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan Winners

Though they couldn’t match Alberta’s numbers, Manitoba and Saskatchewan also celebrated significant wins:

  • Manitoba recorded 11 winners who collectively claimed $53 million.

    • Notable: Matthew Tannas of Hamiota shared an $80 million Lotto Max jackpot in December, walking away with $40 million.

  • Saskatchewan also had 11 winners, totaling $17 million in prizes.

Northern Territories’ Share of Luck

Even the northern territories joined the winning streak:

  • Northwest Territories: Four winners each claimed $1 million.

  • Yukon: Two winners took home $1 million each.

Looking Ahead

As Alberta’s population approaches 5 million and Calgary cements its status as the largest Prairie city, the province’s winning trend may well continue into 2025. However, lottery officials remind players that winning is a matter of chance, with every ticket having an equal shot at fortune.

In September 2024, the maximum possible Lotto Max jackpot was increased from $70 million to $80 million, potentially setting the stage for even larger wins in the future.

Beyond the Wins

While prairie residents celebrate their newfound wealth, it’s important to note that lottery revenues play a crucial role in supporting various sporting, community, and social programs throughout the region. As luck continues to shine on the Prairie Provinces, these funds help uplift communities, ensuring that the benefits of these jackpots extend far beyond the winners.