Imelda and Ruben P. were taking their regular stroll around the mall right before learning that they won $1 million from the January 9, 2026 Lotto Max draw.
“We were at Metrotown when we first scanned the ticket,” recalled Imelda. “We were both just so happy!”
The Vancouver residents first shared the news with their daughter. “We sat down to take a break and then we saw our daughter walking by. Ruben whispered to her, ‘We won the lottery!’ Then she started crying,” shared Imelda.
The couple hasn’t fully decided on what to do with the windfall but shared they want to help family.
On how it feels to win?
“We are really happy!” said Ruben.
The winning ticket was purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart in Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby.
In 2025, B.C. lottery players redeemed more than $248 million from Lotto Max. Lotto Max is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Tuesdays and Fridays after 7:30 p.m. (PST).
Players can purchase tickets at lottery retailers or at PlayNow.com. Winning numbers and group release forms can be found online at bclc.com. Players can check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices. Learn more about the BCLC Lotto! App here.
BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians. Players can visit PlayNow.com to learn how to set time and money limits. For more information on tools and resources to encourage healthy play, visit GameSense.com.
