Man charged after $1M lottery winnings from ‘group arrangement’ claimed for himself: police

Police Charge Ontario Man in $1 Million Lottery Dispute

The Ontario Provincial Police have charged a man who authorities allege took $1 million in lottery winnings for himself, even though the ticket was purchased as part of a group arrangement.

Group Lottery Win Sparks Criminal Case

According to police, the accused was part of a group lottery ticket purchase but did not share the jackpot with his fellow participants. Instead, after learning of the win in August, he claimed the entire prize for himself. Police say the group members discovered the discrepancy and notified law enforcement.

Investigation and Charges

Detectives conducted an investigation after being alerted to the allegations in October. The accused, a 56-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie, is now facing a charge of theft over $5,000. Investigators from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) assisted with the case.

“It is a criminal offence to steal or keep lottery winnings that do not belong to you,” OPP said in a statement.

Legal Process Underway

The accused is expected to appear in court at a later date. Authorities have emphasized the importance of trust and transparency in group lottery arrangements, urging participants to document their agreements clearly.


A man from Sault Ste. Marie faces charges after police allege he took $1 million in group lottery winnings for himself, sparking a criminal investigation.

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Global News Global News — 2025-11-26

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