Matthew Tannas from Hamiota, Manitoba, won $40 million in the Lotto Max draw on December 3. CTV News
A man from Manitoba is celebrating a life-changing win after securing a share of one of the largest lottery jackpots in the province’s history. Matthew Tannas, from Hamiota, a small town about 280 kilometers west of Winnipeg, won an impressive $40 million on the Lotto Max draw held on December 3.
Tannas' ticket was one of two winning tickets for the $80 million jackpot, with the other ticket sold in Quebec. This win ranks as the fourth-largest lottery prize ever awarded in Manitoba.
The 42-year-old won his massive fortune through the Lotto Spot app, a platform where people can buy tickets online. Tannas was working in Alberta as a big game guide when he purchased the ticket. The winning numbers were 9, 14, 21, 26, 29, 32, and 41.
Excited and humbled by his win, Tannas spoke about how he plans to use the money to benefit his family. "We’re going to be looking for some reliable vehicles for our kids just to make sure that they’re safe,” he said, referring to his children. In addition to helping with transportation, he also intends to save for their future education. He emphasized that providing for his kids' college education was a priority for him.
Beyond supporting his family, Tannas also shared plans for himself. He mentioned that he would buy a new truck, and travel to Nova Scotia to visit his sister, something he had long wanted to do. Tannas also joked about how his newfound wealth might influence his small community. “We’re probably going to get an influx of people moving to Hamiota,” he said with a smile, imagining how his win might attract attention from others hoping to live in the area.
For Tannas, this win has opened up many doors, both for his immediate family and his future plans. His excitement and gratitude were evident in his words, and the 40 million-dollar jackpot marks a significant turning point in his life.
This win is just one of many big prizes that have made headlines across Canada, especially in the Lotto Max draws, which have been known for generating massive jackpots in recent months. For Tannas, however, the win feels particularly personal, as it will directly impact his family's future and enable him to check off some long-held dreams, including the trip to see his sister.
His win has also sparked interest in the town of Hamiota, which may see more people drawn to the area as news of Tannas' good fortune spreads. Though Tannas seems to take the attention with a good sense of humor, his win undoubtedly marks a new chapter in his life and the lives of his loved ones.
