Surrey man wins $1-million Lotto Max prize while watching Canucks game
A Surrey resident checked his ticket during a Canucks game and discovered a $1-million Maxmillion win. He confirmed the prize using a self-scanner and plans to help family.
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By Torontoer Staff
A Surrey man won a $1-million Maxmillion prize in the Lotto Max draw on Dec. 26, 2025, after checking his ticket while watching a Vancouver Canucks game at home. The winning ticket was purchased at the Shell station on 152nd Street and 20th Avenue in Surrey.
Arthur H., the Metro Vancouver resident, first checked his numbers on the BCLC Lotto! app during a game break. He said he felt numb at first, and then confirmed the result using a self-service scanner at a nearby gas station.
How he discovered the win
Arthur said he and his wife were watching the Canucks when he paused the game to open the BCLC Lotto! app. The app flagged a match, but he wanted a second check. He returned to his wife and showed her the ticket.
I was at home with my wife, watching the Canucks game. We’re both Canucks fans. I got up during a break to check my ticket and I thought, ‘Wow!’ I was in a state of numbness, so I wanted to check again just to make sure.
Arthur H.
His wife initially thought the prize was smaller. Arthur recounted their exchange, and then used the self-scanner at a nearby gas station to confirm the full $1-million Maxmillion prize.
I went back to her and showed the ticket and asked, ‘What do we do now?’ She said it was only $1,000, and I replied with, ‘Honey, count the digits!’
Arthur H.
Next steps and plans
Arthur said he has no firm plans for the money yet, but wants to help his family. He described the feeling of winning in a single word.
Awesome! That is the first word that comes to mind.
Arthur H.
In Canada, lottery prizes are not subject to federal or provincial income tax. Winners should keep the original ticket, sign the back where required, and contact the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for official claiming instructions. For larger prizes, BCLC will outline identification and documentation needed to complete the claim.
Context: Lotto Max and Maxmillion prizes
Lotto Max draws include a main jackpot and additional $1-million Maxmillion prizes. Maxmillion prizes are awarded in draws where the main jackpot reaches certain thresholds, creating multiple million-dollar prizes alongside the main prize. The BCLC operates Lotto Max in British Columbia and posts winning numbers and prize claim information on its website and app.
B.C. has seen multiple Lotto Max winners in recent weeks, including another $1-million winner from December. Winning a Maxmillion prize is uncommon, and outcomes are determined by chance.
Confirming a win and responsible gambling
Players can verify tickets using the BCLC Lotto! app, in-store self-scanners, or by checking official results posted by the lottery operator. For significant prizes, contact BCLC directly to ensure secure handling of the claim.
- Keep the original ticket in a safe place and sign the back if required.
- Use official channels, such as the BCLC app or website, to verify winning numbers.
- Contact BCLC for guidance on claiming larger prizes and required documentation.
All forms of gambling involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are advised to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know shows signs of gambling-related issues, seek support from local resources and helplines.
What winners often do next
Many winners take time to consider their options before making decisions. Common steps include consulting financial and legal advisers, discussing priorities with family, and planning long-term uses for the funds. Arthur said his immediate priority is family support, and that he will decide on specifics in due course.
For now, the prize is a welcome surprise for a Canucks fan who checked a ticket during intermission and ended the night with a life-changing result.
Lotto MaxBCLClotterySurreyhuman interest
