Canada lottery jackpot winner: $36-million Gold Ball ticket sold in Alberta — what we know today, how to check your ticket, and what happens next

A new Canada lottery jackpot winner is out there: a $36 million LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball ticket sold somewhere in Alberta matched the winning selection in the Oct. 15 draw. As of this morning, the winner has not yet come forward, prompting a province-wide rush to check wallets, glove compartments, and kitchen drawers.

Where the winning ticket was sold — and what that reveals

Officials have confirmed only that the ticket was purchased in Alberta. Until the prize is claimed and the validation process is complete, lottery corporations typically keep retailer and community details under wraps to protect both the integrity of the investigation and the winner’s privacy. That means the first reveal you’re likely to see is the city/town and retailer once a claimant is verified. If you bought a Gold Ball entry for the Oct. 15 draw anywhere in the province, you’re in the pool.

How to check quickly (and correctly)

• Match the draw: Confirm your ticket is for LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball — Oct. 15, 2025.

• Use official tools: Scan the barcode in your provincial lottery app or at an authorized retailer.

• Keep every slip: Some prizes come from add-ons (e.g., ENCORE in Ontario or regional extras); don’t toss “non-winners” until you’ve checked all lines.

• Sign the back: If your ticket shows a win, sign it immediately and take a photo of both sides before heading in for validation.

What the Gold Ball format means for the jackpot

LOTTO 6/49’s Gold Ball draw guarantees a jackpot win every draw, with the prize level determined by the ball selected from a shrinking pool. Wednesday night’s outcome hit the $36 million tier, creating one of the larger wins of the fall and resetting the ball count and prize track for the next draw. It’s a structure designed to produce frequent headline wins and steady suspense as the ball pool narrows.

If this is your ticket: first 48 hours playbook

1. Secure the original: Store it in a safe, dry place. If possible, use a fireproof folder or bank deposit box.

2. Limit your circle: Until validation, avoid public posts; you’ll control the narrative later.

3. Book a claim appointment: Contact your regional lottery corporation to start verification.

4. Assemble a small team: A financial planner, tax professional, and lawyer can help map next steps before your name is public.

5. Plan for publicity: In most provinces, basic winner details (name, city, prize) are released. Prepare a short statement and decide what you’re comfortable sharing.

Why Alberta wins matter for the wider lottery story

Western Canada has quietly produced a run of attention-grabbing tickets in 2025—from million-dollar add-ons to top-tier Gold Ball hits—fueling interest beyond habitual players. A mid-week, province-wide winner also reinforces the shift away from single-city narratives: in the Gold Ball era, any retailer can be the one, and stories increasingly come from small towns as often as big-city hubs.

What about other jackpots this week?

While the Gold Ball headline is Alberta’s, national attention also tracks LOTTO MAX and regional games. With MAX rolling over earlier this week, attention turns to Friday’s pot and any associated Maxmillions. If you play across multiple products, check every ticket: rollover weeks often hide life-changing wins in secondary prize tiers.

Claiming, privacy, and timelines — quick answers

• How long do I have to claim? Most Canadian lottery wins carry a one-year claim window from the draw date; verify with your regional corporation when you call.

• Do winners stay anonymous? Policies vary by province; expect at least name, city, prize, and a photo opportunity unless you qualify for a narrow exemption.

• Is the prize taxed? Lottery winnings themselves are not typically taxed in Canada, but earnings from investing those funds are taxable. A planner can help set up the right structures.

• When will we know the location? After validation, expect the retailer and community to be disclosed along with a ceremonial cheque event.

The bottom line

There is a $36 million Canada lottery jackpot winner holding a Gold Ball ticket sold in Alberta—and it could be you or someone in your town. Double-check your Oct. 15 tickets today, sign any winner immediately, and contact your lottery office to start the process. A life-changing week just began for one household; for everyone else, the next draw is already loading the chamber.