Edmonton man wins $1 million Lotto Max prize after scanning ticket at home
Edmonton’s Michael Monaghan won $1 million in a Lotto Max draw on May 8, 2026, and plans to pay off his late mother’s condo, buy a truck and take trips to the Dominican Republic, Ireland and Hawaii.
Edmonton resident Michael Monaghan discovered his Lotto Max prize while watching the evening news with a cup of coffee and decided to scan the tickets he had recently purchased. The very first ticket he scanned registered a $1 million prize, a result he described as leaving him momentarily breathless. He immediately contacted his partner and shared a screenshot, sparking joyful reactions from family members.
How the winning ticket was discovered
Monaghan said he was relaxing at home on May 8 when curiosity prompted him to check his Lotto Max tickets against the latest draw. After scanning the first ticket, the digital readout showed the million-dollar prize, a moment he called both surreal and overwhelming. He captured the confirmation on his phone and reached out to his partner and son to share the unexpected news.
Where the ticket was purchased
The winning Lotto Max ticket was bought at a Shell gas station located near 127 Street and 132 Avenue in Edmonton. Monaghan confirmed the point of sale in a news release issued on Thursday, noting where he routinely picks up tickets. Local retailers often see an uptick in attention when major prizes are sold at their outlets, and the Shell store is now linked to this seven-figure win.
Winner’s plans for the $1 million
Monaghan told reporters he intends to use some of the proceeds to clear the mortgage on his late mother’s condominium, a step he said will offer family relief and closure. He also plans to purchase a new truck and set aside funds for travel, naming the Dominican Republic, Ireland and Hawaii as destinations he hopes to visit. Beyond these immediate purchases, he indicated he will divide the remainder of the money between family needs and future savings.
Family reaction and immediate moments
According to Monaghan, the first family response was a mix of disbelief and celebration; his son reportedly asked for a dirt bike after seeing the screenshot. Monaghan said his partner was among the first he called, and that sharing the news with close relatives became a central part of the afternoon. Those initial reactions underscore how a single prize can rapidly shift family conversations and plans.
Prize confirmation and public statement
Monaghan’s discovery and plans were set out in a public news release in which he described his emotions at the moment of confirmation. Lotto Max prizes of this size typically require verification by the lottery corporation before funds are disbursed, and Monaghan said he followed the standard steps to confirm the win prior to speaking publicly. He expressed gratitude in the release and asked for privacy as he and his family make practical arrangements.
Local context and lottery interest in Alberta
This win adds to a series of notable lottery stories in Alberta, where community interest rises each time significant prizes are claimed. Retailers that sell winning tickets often see heightened foot traffic and local media attention in the weeks that follow. For residents, such wins are reminders of the small investments people make in hopes of changing their circumstances overnight.
Monaghan’s discovery of his Lotto Max prize came during a quiet moment at home and quickly became a family milestone as plans for debt relief, a vehicle purchase and international travel took shape. The ticket purchase at the Shell station and the subsequent news release closed the loop on a sudden, life-altering event for the Edmonton family.
