Canadian Lottery Guide

How the Lottery Works in Canada

In Canada, lotteries are legally run by the provinces. Under the Criminal Code, only provincial governments, or organizations they license such as charities, may conduct and manage lottery schemes. That is why you will not find private companies running national draws. Instead, each province operates its own lottery corporation, and those corporations work together through the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) to offer national games.

This structure has a few important consequences for players:

• National games are the same everywhere. A Lotto Max ticket bought in Halifax has exactly the same odds and prizes as one bought in Vancouver.
• Regional games differ. Each corporation also offers its own local draws, scratch tickets and add-ons, so the menu of games depends on where you live.
• Profits go back to the province. Lottery revenue funds public priorities such as health care, education, community programs, charities and amateur sport.
• Tickets must be bought in your own region. Official online sales are limited to people physically located in the province or region the platform serves.

Who Runs the Lottery in Each Province?

Here are the official lottery operators across Canada. These are the only legitimate sources for buying tickets online in each region.

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) serves Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Atlantic Lottery covers New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lotto Max: Canada's Biggest Jackpot Game

Lotto Max is the national lottery with the largest jackpots in Canada. The game was updated in April 2026 with a higher price, more lines per play, a bigger jackpot cap and a new set of bonus prizes.

How Lotto Max works

Each Lotto Max play costs $6 and gives you four sets of seven numbers, each chosen from 1 to 52. You can pick one set yourself and let the terminal generate the rest, or choose a Quick Pick for all four. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening.

During each draw, seven winning numbers plus one bonus number are drawn. You win prizes by matching three or more numbers on any one of your lines, with extra prize levels for matching the bonus number.

Jackpot and MAXMILLIONS

The Lotto Max jackpot starts at $10 million and grows each draw it is not won, up to a maximum of $90 million. When the jackpot reaches $50 million or more, additional MAXMILLIONS prizes of $1 million each are added to the draw. Each MAXMILLIONS prize is won by matching all seven numbers in that specific MAXMILLIONS selection.

New MAXPLUS prizes

Since the 2026 update, every draw also includes MAXPLUS prizes of $100,000. The number of MAXPLUS prizes matches the size of the jackpot in millions, so a $10 million jackpot comes with 10 MAXPLUS prizes and a $90 million jackpot comes with 90.

Lotto Max odds

The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are about 1 in 33,446,140 per $6 play. The odds of winning any prize improved with the new format to roughly 1 in 5.8.

Lotto 6/49: The Classic Canadian Lottery

Lotto 6/49 launched in 1982 and is the game that made lotteries a household habit in Canada. It was redesigned in 2022 and now guarantees a $1 million winner in every draw.

How Lotto 6/49 works

Each play costs $3 and includes two parts: a six-number selection for the Classic Draw and a separate selection for the Gold Ball Draw. You choose six numbers from 1 to 49, or ask for a Quick Pick. Draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday.

The Classic Draw

Six winning numbers plus a bonus number are drawn. Matching all six wins a fixed $5 million prize. Smaller prizes are paid for matching two to five numbers, with a bonus number prize level for five numbers plus the bonus.

The Gold Ball Draw

After the Classic Draw, one winning Gold Ball selection is drawn from all those sold for that draw. The winner then learns which prize it receives from a draw of 30 balls: 29 white and one gold.

• A white ball means the selection wins a guaranteed $1 million. That white ball is then removed, improving the chance of the gold ball in the next draw.
• The gold ball means the selection wins the Gold Ball jackpot, which starts at $10 million and grows by $2 million each draw until won. It can reach up to $68 million.

Once the gold ball is drawn, the jackpot resets to $10 million and all 30 balls go back into the drum.

Lotto 6/49 odds

The odds of matching all six Classic Draw numbers are 1 in 13,983,816. The odds of winning the Gold Ball Draw depend on how many selections are sold, but someone wins at least $1 million in every draw.

Daily Grand: Win $1,000 a Day for Life

Daily Grand is different from the other national games because its top prize is paid as an annuity rather than as a giant jackpot.

How Daily Grand works

Each board costs $3. You pick five main numbers from 1 to 49 plus one Grand Number from 1 to 7. The Grand Number is drawn from a separate pool. Draws are held every Monday and Thursday.

Daily Grand prizes

• Top prize: Match all five numbers plus the Grand Number to win $1,000 a day for life, or take a $7 million lump sum instead.
• Second prize: Match all five numbers without the Grand Number to win $25,000 a year for life, or a $500,000 lump sum.
• Lower prizes: Smaller fixed prizes are paid for matching fewer numbers, with or without the Grand Number.

If more than one ticket wins one of the top two prizes in the same draw, the winners must take the lump sum.

Daily Grand odds

The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 13,348,188, and the odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 6.8. Because the top prize does not grow, Daily Grand is popular with players who prefer steady, long-term security over chasing the biggest headline number.

National Lottery Games at a Glance

Regional and Provincial Lottery Games

Beyond the national draws, every lottery corporation runs its own regional games. These usually have smaller jackpots but much better odds, because only players in that region buy tickets. Popular examples include:

• Ontario (OLG): Ontario 49, Lottario, Daily Keno, Pick-2, Pick-3 and Pick-4, Poker Lotto and Daily Grand add-ons.
• Quebec (Loto-Québec): Québec Max, Québec 49, Tout ou rien and La Quotidienne.
• British Columbia (BCLC): BC/49, Keno and Pick 3.
• Western Canada (WCLC): Western 649, Western Max, Pick 3 and Keno.
• Atlantic Canada (Atlantic Lottery): Atlantic 49, Keno Atlantic and Salsa Bingo.

Game line-ups change from time to time, so check your provincial lottery's website for the current list, rules and draw schedules.

Daily games and Keno

Daily games such as Pick 3, Pick 4 and Keno are drawn every day, sometimes more than once. You choose how many numbers to play and how much to wager, and prizes are fixed amounts based on your bet. They are fast and flexible, but the frequent draws mean spending can add up quickly.

Add-Ons, Instant Tickets and Other Lottery Products

Add-on games

When you buy a draw ticket, the clerk or website will usually offer an add-on for about $1. These are separate games with their own numbers and prizes, not boosts to your main lotto line. Names vary by region: Ontario calls it Encore, Western Canada and Quebec use Extra, and Atlantic Canada uses Tag.

For example, adding Encore in Ontario gives you a seven-digit number with a top prize of $1 million. In Western Canada, Extra costs $1 per number with a top prize of $250,000. Add-ons can be fun, but they increase the cost of every ticket, so decide whether they fit your budget.

Instant tickets and scratch cards

Scratch tickets, often called instants, are sold in stores and in digital form on most provincial platforms. Prices usually range from $1 to $50 or more, and you find out immediately whether you have won. Each ticket series has a fixed number of prizes, and the odds of winning any prize are printed on the back or listed online.

A smart habit is to check how many top prizes remain in a scratch game before buying. Most lottery corporations publish this information online, and it can help you avoid games where the biggest prizes have already been claimed.

Charity lotteries

Licensed charity lotteries, such as hospital home lotteries and 50/50 draws at sports games, are also legal across Canada. Proceeds support the cause, and many now sell tickets online within the province. Always confirm that a charity lottery displays a valid provincial licence number.

Comparing the Odds

Lottery odds are fixed by the mathematics of each game. Nothing you do can change the odds of a single ticket, but understanding them helps you set realistic expectations.

To put those numbers in perspective, buying one Lotto 6/49 ticket per draw, twice a week, would take you more than 130,000 years on average before matching all six numbers. That is not a reason to stop playing for fun, but it is a strong reason never to treat the lottery as a financial plan.

How to Buy Lottery Tickets in Canada

At a retailer

Thousands of convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies sell lottery tickets. You can fill in a selection slip with your own numbers, ask for a Quick Pick, or hand over a saved card. Always check your ticket before leaving the counter to make sure the game, draw date and numbers are correct.

Online through your provincial lottery

Every province offers official online lottery sales through its own platform. To buy online, you must:

1. Be of legal age in your province, which is 18 or 19 depending on where you live.
2. Be physically located in the province or region the platform serves. Geolocation checks confirm this.
3. Register an account and verify your identity.
4. Deposit funds using an accepted method such as Interac, debit or credit card, where permitted.

Buying online has real advantages: your tickets cannot be lost or damaged, prizes are usually credited to your account automatically, and you can set spending limits. Many platforms also let you subscribe to your favourite numbers for weeks or months in advance.

Lottery apps

Most lottery corporations offer free mobile apps that let you scan paper tickets to check for wins, view winning numbers and jackpots, and in many cases buy tickets directly. Scanning your ticket with the official app is the quickest and most reliable way to confirm a win.

Avoid unofficial ticket resellers

Some international websites claim to sell Canadian lottery tickets or let you bet on the outcome of Canadian draws. These services are not run by Canadian lottery corporations, and you have no official protection if something goes wrong. Stick to your provincial lottery's own website, app or authorized retailers.

How to Check Your Numbers and Claim a Prize

Checking your ticket

You can check your ticket by scanning it at a retailer's ticket checker, scanning it in your lottery's app, or comparing it with the winning numbers posted on the official website. Online tickets are checked automatically.

Claiming small prizes

Smaller prizes can usually be claimed at any authorized retailer in your region. The exact limit varies by province, but prizes up to several hundred dollars are commonly paid in cash at the counter or credited to your online account.

Claiming larger prizes

Larger prizes must be claimed directly with your provincial lottery corporation, either by mail or at a prize centre. You will need to:

• Sign the back of your ticket as soon as you buy it, which protects you if it is lost.
• Complete a claim form.
• Show valid government-issued photo ID.
• Go through a security review for major prizes, which can take several weeks for large jackpots.

Claim deadlines

In most provinces, you have one year from the draw date to claim a prize. Every year, millions of dollars go unclaimed in Canada, including some large jackpots, simply because people forgot to check their tickets. Check every ticket, every time.

Publicity

Major lottery winners in Canada are usually expected to agree to have their name, city and photo published. This helps maintain public trust in the integrity of the lottery. Some provinces allow exceptions in special circumstances, so contact your lottery corporation if you have concerns about privacy.

Taxes on Lottery Winnings in Canada

One of the best features of playing the lottery in Canada is that winnings are generally tax-free. The Canada Revenue Agency treats lottery prizes as windfalls rather than income, so a $1 million win is generally a $1 million win.

There are a few things to remember:

• Any interest, dividends or investment gains you earn after investing your winnings are taxable as usual.
• If you give large sums to family members, any income they earn from investing that money may have tax implications.
• If you live outside Canada, or if you win a lottery in another country, different rules apply. United States lotteries, for example, withhold tax on winnings.

For a large win, it is wise to speak with an independent accountant and a financial planner.

Tips and Advice for Lottery Players

The lottery is a game of pure chance, and every number combination has the same probability of being drawn. Even so, there are smart ways to play that can make your money go further and make the experience more enjoyable.

1. Set a fixed lottery budget

Decide on a weekly or monthly amount you are comfortable spending, and stick to it. Many online platforms let you set deposit and spending limits so you never go over.

2. Understand what each game offers

If you dream of the biggest possible jackpot, Lotto Max is the game. If you want a guaranteed $1 million winner every draw, Lotto 6/49 fits. If you prefer a lifetime income, Daily Grand is the one to choose. Regional games offer smaller prizes with much better odds.

3. Avoid popular number patterns

You cannot improve your odds of winning, but you can reduce the chance of sharing a jackpot. Many people play birthdays, which means numbers from 1 to 31 are chosen more often. Patterns like 1-2-3-4-5-6 or straight lines on the selection slip are also surprisingly popular. Picking a wider spread of numbers, or using Quick Pick, makes it less likely that you will split a prize.

4. Quick Pick versus your own numbers

Quick Pick and self-selected numbers have exactly the same odds. Quick Pick is convenient and avoids common patterns, while choosing your own numbers can feel more personal. Pick whatever you enjoy more.

5. Do not chase "hot" or "cold" numbers

Some players track which numbers have come up often or rarely. Each draw is independent, so a number that has not appeared for months is no more likely to be drawn next time. Number tracking can be a fun hobby, but it does not change the odds.

6. Think twice about add-ons

Adding Encore, Extra or Tag to every ticket can raise your weekly spend significantly. Decide in advance whether you want them, rather than saying yes at the counter by habit.

7. Watch for MAXMILLIONS draws

When the Lotto Max jackpot passes $50 million, extra $1 million MAXMILLIONS prizes are added, giving each ticket more chances at a big win. Just remember that these draws also sell many more tickets.

8. Sign your ticket immediately

An unsigned paper ticket can be claimed by whoever holds it. Signing it as soon as you buy it protects your prize if the ticket is lost or stolen.

9. Always check your tickets

Free plays and smaller prizes are easy to miss. Use the official app to scan every ticket, and keep your tickets somewhere safe until the claim period ends.

10. Consider buying online

Online tickets cannot be lost, are checked automatically, and help you track your spending. Buying through your provincial platform is one of the simplest ways to make sure you never miss a prize.

11. Check remaining prizes on scratch tickets

Before buying instant tickets, look up how many top prizes are still available in each game. This information is usually published by your lottery corporation.

12. Never borrow money to play

Lottery play should only ever come from money you can afford to lose. If you find yourself spending money meant for bills or using credit to buy tickets, it is time to take a break.

Playing in a Lottery Pool

Lottery pools, where a group of friends, family members or co-workers buy tickets together and share any winnings, are extremely popular in Canada. Many of the country's biggest jackpots have been won by groups. Pooling lets you hold more tickets for the same personal cost, although each member receives a smaller share of any prize.

To keep your pool running smoothly:

• Choose a group leader who buys the tickets and keeps records.
• Put it in writing. A simple signed agreement listing members, contributions and how prizes are shared prevents disputes.
• Share copies of the tickets with every member before each draw, by photo or email.
• Agree on what happens with small wins, such as reinvesting them in more tickets.
• Use group claim forms. Most lottery corporations have a group claim process, and each member can receive their share directly.

Lottery Scams to Avoid

Fraudsters often use the excitement of the lottery to target Canadians. Watch out for these warning signs:

• You are told you have won a lottery you never entered.
• You are asked to pay a fee, tax or "processing charge" to receive your prize.
• You are asked for banking details, credit card numbers or gift cards.
• Messages arrive from social media accounts pretending to be past winners giving money away.
• Calls or emails pressure you to act quickly or keep the win secret.

Real Canadian lotteries never ask you to pay to collect a prize, and they will never contact you about a win for a ticket you did not buy. If in doubt, contact your provincial lottery corporation directly, and report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

What to Do If You Win Big

Winning a major prize is exciting, but taking a few calm steps protects your money and your peace of mind.

1. Sign the ticket and keep it safe. Store it somewhere secure, and take photos of both sides.
2. Stay quiet at first. Limit who you tell until you have a plan.
3. Contact your lottery corporation to understand the claim process.
4. Assemble a team. An independent lawyer, accountant and fee-only financial planner can help you make good long-term decisions.
5. Take your time. There is no need to make big purchases or promises right away.
6. Plan for requests. Prepare for friends, family and strangers asking for money, and decide in advance how you will respond.

Responsible Play

For most Canadians, buying a lottery ticket is a low-cost bit of fun. But lottery products, especially fast games like Keno and instant tickets, can lead to problems for some people. Warning signs include spending more than you planned, chasing losses, hiding how much you play, or feeling stressed about money because of tickets.

Provincial lottery platforms offer tools such as deposit limits, spending limits, play-time reminders and self-exclusion. Use them from the start. If you or someone you know needs support, free and confidential help is available:

• ConnexOntario for players in Ontario, available 24/7.
• GameSense, a responsible gambling program used by several provinces.
• Responsible Gambling Council, a national independent organization with information and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lottery in Canada

Are lottery winnings taxed in Canada?

No. Lottery winnings are generally tax-free in Canada. However, any income you earn by investing your winnings is taxable.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Canada?

You must be 18 or 19, depending on your province. Check your provincial lottery corporation's rules for the exact age.

Can I buy lottery tickets online in Canada?

Yes. Every province offers official online lottery sales through its own platform, as long as you are of legal age and physically located in that province or region.

What is the biggest lottery jackpot in Canada?

Lotto Max offers the largest jackpots in Canada, with a maximum of $90 million since the April 2026 update.

Which Canadian lottery has the best odds?

Among the national games, Daily Grand and Lotto 6/49 have much better top-prize odds than Lotto Max. Regional games and daily games usually have better odds still, but smaller prizes.

How long do I have to claim a lottery prize?

In most provinces, you have one year from the draw date to claim your prize.

Can I stay anonymous if I win?

Generally, major winners are expected to agree to publicity. Some provinces allow exceptions in special circumstances, so contact your lottery corporation to discuss your situation.

Can I play the Canadian lottery if I live outside Canada?

Official online sales are limited to people physically located in the province served by the platform. Visitors can buy tickets in person at Canadian retailers, but tax rules in their home country may apply to any winnings.

Is Quick Pick better than choosing my own numbers?

No. Both have exactly the same odds of winning. Quick Pick may reduce the chance of sharing a jackpot because it avoids common patterns such as birthdays.

What happens if two people win the same jackpot?

The jackpot is split equally between all winning tickets for that prize level.

Final Thoughts

Canada's lottery system is safe, well regulated and refreshingly simple: tickets are easy to buy, the national games are the same across the country, and winnings are generally tax-free. Choose the game that suits your dreams, whether that is a $90 million Lotto Max jackpot, a guaranteed $1 million Lotto 6/49 winner or $1,000 a day for life with Daily Grand. Set a budget, buy from official sources, check every ticket, and enjoy the anticipation. Good luck!