2025-10-08

MONCTON (N.B.) – Gary Westhaver of St. Margarets, N.B. has always worked hard to contribute to his local community, but he’s now looking forward to doing even more after winning the $15-million jackpot on the Sept. 30 Lotto Max draw.

Westhaver and his wife plan to use the winnings to help support their two grandchildren and possibly buy a new house in the same area they call home. He also wants to help support a few local charities that have a special meaning to him.

“Everybody needs, at times in their life, a bit of help. This is what we’re going to do,” he said. “Any money we donate or give to anybody is going to be anonymous. I don’t need a pat on the back for helping somebody.”

A retired City of Miramichi employee and longtime lottery player, Westhaver has been buying Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 tickets for as long as he can remember, with this being his first big win.

Lotto Max draws take place every Tuesday and Friday. Jackpots start at $10 million and grow up to $80 million or until won. Westhaver matched all seven numbers drawn, resulting in his $15-million win.

Westhaver said he was shocked when he scanned his ticket on the Atlantic Lottery mobile app and a “major win” message came up on the screen, but he didn’t know how much he had won until he called Atlantic Lottery.

“When I was told it was $15 million, I’m going to tell you, my stomach started to turn and my head started going,” he said with a laugh. “I wasn’t positive. I don’t even know if I will be when I look at my bank account and they tell me there’s $15 million in there.”

Westhaver wasn’t the only one surprised by the big win. While he told his wife to use her phone to call the number that appeared when he scanned the ticket, the couple didn’t tell anyone else about the prize until just minutes before Gary received his giant cheque.

Westhaver is happy the win will offer him the ability to give back, but he said it won’t change how he and his wife live their lives.

“We just want to stay what we are, our lives can’t change,” he said. “We have fun whatever we do. Laughter and humour is, I think, the most important thing in anybody’s life.”

The winning Lotto Max ticket was purchased at Deals 4 U in Miramichi, N.B. The retailer will receive a one per cent seller’s prize.

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Media Contact:
Greg Weston
Atlantic Lottery Communications Strategist
(506) 867-5800 ext. 5569
greg.weston@alc.ca
1-800-561-3942

BACKGROUNDER:

· Lotto Max draws take place every Tuesday and Friday.

· Jackpots start at $10 million and grow up to $80 million or until won.

· In addition to the main jackpot, there is a chance to win with Maxmillions. Maxmillions are additional $1-million prizes that are drawn when the Lotto Max jackpot reaches $50 million.