History and Overview

Lotto 6/49 is one of Canada’s most popular and long-standing lottery games, introduced on June 12, 1982. It was the first nationwide Canadian lottery game to allow players to choose their own numbers. Operated by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation, it is available across all Canadian provinces and territories.

How to Play

Playing Lotto 6/49 is straightforward and follows a simple format. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Numbers:

   • Players select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 49.

2. Purchase a Ticket:

   • Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating provinces and territories.
   • Each standard entry costs $3.00.

3. Quick Pick Option:

   • Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery terminal.

4. Multi-Draw Option:

   • Players can opt to play the same numbers for multiple draws in advance.

5. Guaranteed Prize Draw:

   • Each Lotto 6/49 ticket includes a unique 10-digit Guaranteed Prize Draw number for a chance to win a guaranteed $1 million prize.

Draw Time

• Draw Days: The Lotto 6/49 draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday.
• Draw Time: Draws are held at approximately 10:30 PM ET (Eastern Time).

Prize Structure

The Lotto 6/49 game features seven prize tiers, with jackpots starting at $5 million and rolling over until there is a winner. Here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:

1. Jackpot:

   • Match 6 numbers: Jackpot prize, starting at $5 million and increasing with rollovers.

2. Other Prizes:

   • Match 5 numbers + Bonus: Approximately 6% of the prize pool.
   • Match 5 numbers: Approximately 5% of the prize pool.
   • Match 4 numbers: Approximately 9% of the prize pool.
   • Match 3 numbers: $10 fixed prize.
   • Match 2 numbers + Bonus: $5 fixed prize.
   • Match 2 numbers: Free ticket.

3. Guaranteed Prize Draw:

   • One ticket in each draw wins a guaranteed $1 million prize.

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning in the Lotto 6/49 game vary by prize tier:

• Jackpot (Match 6 numbers): 1 in 13,983,816
• Second Prize (Match 5 numbers + Bonus): 1 in 2,330,636
• Third Prize (Match 5 numbers): 1 in 55,492
• Fourth Prize (Match 4 numbers): 1 in 1,033
• Fifth Prize (Match 3 numbers): 1 in 56.7
• Sixth Prize (Match 2 numbers + Bonus): 1 in 81.2
• Seventh Prize (Match 2 numbers): 1 in 8.3
• Guaranteed Prize Draw: The odds depend on the total number of tickets sold.

Claiming Prizes

• Small Prizes: Can be claimed at any authorized retailer.
• Larger Prizes: Must be claimed at a lottery office in the province where the ticket was purchased.
• Jackpot Prizes: Require special arrangements for claiming, and winners may need to provide identification and proof of ticket purchase. Winners may choose between annuity payments or a lump-sum cash option.

Important Points

• Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time on draw days, typically at 10:00 PM ET.
• Winnings are subject to federal and provincial tax regulations, and winners should consult with a tax advisor if they win significant amounts.

Lotto 6/49 offers players the chance to win substantial prizes twice a week. With a starting jackpot of $5 million and the Guaranteed Prize Draw of $1 million, it provides exciting opportunities for lottery players across Canada while supporting good causes and community initiatives funded by the provincial lotteries.