$1 million Encore lottery win gives Gen Zer the chance to go back to school

What all started as an ordinary lottery play quickly turned into a life-changing moment for 27-year-old Joseph Sena. The Toronto retail worker learned he had won $1 million in the June 21, 2025, Lottario draw with Encore — a prize that is now giving him the chance to revisit some goals he had once put aside.

While many winners imagine splurges or celebrations, this Gen Zer has a different priority: he wants to go back to school.

“It doesn't feel real,” said Sena. “This actually changes my life. It lets me do everything I never had the opportunity to do.”

Sena enjoys playing Lottario, Ontario 49 and Proline, and often adds Encore to his tickets for the extra chance at a prize. But even with that habit, he didn’t expect he could win such a big prize.

“At first, I thought I won $1,000. I thought, ‘Nice!’” he said while picking up his winnings at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. A second look revealed he had actually won $1 million.

The disbelief didn’t let up right away. Sena scanned the ticket repeatedly using the OLG app, trying to make sense of what he was seeing.

“I checked it about 20 times before believing it was true,” he said. His family and friends were just as stunned when he shared the news.

Once the reality settled in, Sena didn’t hesitate about how he plans to use his prize. Rather than making big purchases or planning expensive trips, he first wants to use the win to return to school.

Lottario launched in 1978 as Ontario’s first terminal lotto game, offers players two chances to win with every $1 ticket. Encore, which can be added to most lottery games for an extra $1, gives players 22 ways to win and holds two draws every day — one of which turned Sena into a millionaire.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on The Queensway in Toronto. With school now back on the horizon, Sena is ready to turn his unexpected win into a long-term opportunity.

Tools to stop gambling

If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.