KAWARTHA LAKES-Shawn Jameson of Janetville was struck by the LIGHTNING LOTTO jackpot on December 19, 2025. The top prize had grown to $705,494.10 before it was won!
Shawn, 60, says he has been a loyal lottery player with OLG for over 30 years. He plays LIGHTNING LOTTO regularly and is now thrilled to tell the story of his first big win.
“I went to the store to buy some tickets. As soon as my ticket was processed, the entire screen went dark and the words ‘Big Winner’ appeared. I assumed it meant I’d won around $1,000 and didn’t give it much thought,” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings. “When I finally realized how much I won, I nearly collapsed to the ground!”
“On the drive home, I was an absolute mess. My emotions were all over the place. I couldn’t even wait to get home to tell my wife,” Shawn recounted. “I called her, had her sit down, and said, ‘Baby, I just won the lottery!’ She shouted, ‘No way!’ and was completely shocked.”
Shawn also shared the news with his children over the phone. “The kids were so happy they could barely contain themselves. They were over the moon and couldn’t wait to get home and give me a hug. That made the moment even more special.”
Shawn said he couldn’t be happier about his win. “This whole thing feels unreal — like a dream I haven’t woken up from yet. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.”
With his windfall, he looks forward to planning a family trip. “Punta Cana and Jamaica are both on the table. No matter where we end up, it’ll be an unforgettable experience,” he concluded with a smile.
The winning ticket was purchased at Corner Convenience on John Street in Pontypool.
