Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49: Which Game Should You Play?
Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 are both the two important and most popular lotto games in Canada. These are the two major games that always rule the Canadian lottery system among other games.
However, both of them own different features, rules, prizes, draw days, and other things.
But when we considered and watched both the games closely, then got to know that Lotto Max is superior to Lotto 6/49 with different features, a larger prize pool, and more players’ attraction.
Let’s break out each of the games and then come to a conclusion.
Table of Contents
Lotto Max
Lotto Max was first introduced on 19 September 2009, and the first winning draw was on 25th of September 2009. This game does not have any provincial restriction as it is regulated by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation.
Recently, British Columbia experienced a huge win of $80 million on a single ticket. It was all over the news that a player from “Surrey” won the $80 million jackpot of Lotto Max.
How Lotto Max Works?
In Lotto Max, each play costs $5 and gives you three sets of 7 numbers. You can pick your numbers, let the computer choose them, or do both. In each draw, 7 main numbers and 1 bonus number are selected randomly. To win, your selected numbers must match the drawn ones in certain combinations. Here’s how it works:
| Winning Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 7/7 | All 7 main numbers |
| 6/7 + | 6 main numbers + bonus number |
| 6/7 | 6 main numbers |
| 5/7 + | 5 main numbers + bonus |
| 5/7 | 5 main numbers |
| 4/7 + | 4 main numbers + bonus |
| 4/7 | 4 main numbers |
| 3/7 + | 3 main numbers + bonus |
| 3/7 | 3 main numbers |
The prize pool for each play is $2.40, and the amount you win depends on how many numbers you match. For example, matching 3/7 wins you a free play worth $2.40, while matching 3/7+ or 4/7 wins you a fixed prize of $20. Higher categories like 7/7 win a bigger share of the prize pool.
If no one wins in certain categories (like 6/7+ or 5/7+), their prize money is added to the 7/7 pool. When the 7/7 pool hits $50 million or more, they introduce MAXMILLIONS. Every extra $1 million above the cap creates a new MAXMILLIONS draw, where matching all 7 numbers wins you $1 million. If no one wins, the prize rolls over to the next 7/7 pool.
The company ensures there are enough MAXMILLIONS prizes, and if not, they add extra money from their own funds. But if no one claims the MAXMILLIONS prize, it doesn’t roll over.
Lotto 6/49
Lotto 6/49 also does not stay back in shocking people with huge winnings. Recently, a player from Ontario who purchased the ticket online from OLG.ca won $60 million in the 6/49 lotto.
It doesn’t matter in which form you are playing, if your luck is with you, then no one can stop you from winning.
Lotto 6/49: How It Works
Lotto 6/49 is a Canadian lottery that costs $3 per play. Each play gives you two chances to win: one in the Classic Draw and one in the Gold Ball Draw. For the Classic Draw, you get one line of six numbers between 1 and 49. For the Gold Ball Draw, you get a random 10-digit number.
You can pick your own numbers or let the computer choose them for you. Draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday.
The Classic Draw has a fixed jackpot starting at $5 million. To win it, all six numbers on your ticket must match the numbers drawn.
The Gold Ball Draw is a separate draw where one 10-digit number is selected. If your number matches it, you win the prize in the Gold Ball fund. The Gold Ball prize starts at $1 million and can grow if it’s not won. A mix of white balls and one gold ball is used. Once the gold ball is picked, the big prize is paid out.
Here’s what you can win in the Classic Draw:
| Match | Prize | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | Jackpot or 79.5% of Pools Fund | 1 in 13,983,816 |
| 5/6 + Bonus | 6% of Pools Fund | 1 in 2,330,636 |
| 5/6 | 5% of Pools Fund | 1 in 55,492 |
| 4/6 | 4% of Pools Fund | 1 in 1,033 |
| 3/6 | $10 | 1 in 56.7 |
| 2/6 + Bonus | $5 | 1 in 81.2 |
| 2/6 | Free Play | 1 in 8.3 |
| Gold Ball Draw | $1 million or more (varies) | Depends on draw |
In short, each $3 ticket gives you two ways to win — a set prize in the Classic Draw and a growing jackpot in the Gold Ball Draw.
Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49
| Feature | Lotto Max | Lotto 6/49 |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Days | Tuesdays and Fridays | Wednesdays and Saturdays |
| Numbers to Pick | 7 numbers from 1 to 50 | 6 numbers from 1 to 49 (Classic Draw) |
| Sets per Play | 3 sets for $5 | 1 set (plus 1 Gold Ball Draw number) for $3 |
| Main Jackpot | Starts at $10M, grows to $80M | Fixed at $5M (Classic Draw), Growing jackpot (Gold Ball, up to $68M) |
| Additional Prizes | MAXMILLIONS ($1M prizes when jackpot reaches $50M+) | Guaranteed $1M prize in every draw (Gold Ball Draw) |
| Jackpot Odds | 1 in 33.3 million (per $5 play) | 1 in 13.98 million (Classic), Variable (Gold Ball) |
| Free Play | Match 3 main numbers | Match 2 main numbers |
| Cost per Play | $5 | $3 |
In essence, Lotto Max offers larger potential jackpots and more chances to win $1 million prizes through MAXMILLIONS, but it costs more per play and has longer odds of winning the top prize.
Lotto 6/49 has a lower cost per play, better odds of winning its Classic Jackpot, and a guaranteed $1 million prize in each draw through the Gold Ball Draw, along with a separate growing jackpot.
Lotto Max vs Lotto 6/49 – Who has better odds?
| Game | Odds of Winning the Jackpot | Odds of Winning Any Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Lotto Max | 1 in 33,294,800 | 1 in 7 |
| Lotto 6/49 | 1 in 13,983,816 | 1 in 6.6 |
Lotto 6/49 offers better odds of winning the jackpot and any prize compared to Lotto Max. However, Lotto Max jackpots are typically higher, sometimes going beyond $70 million.
Lotto 6/49 gives you better odds because:
- You choose fewer numbers
- From a slightly smaller pool
- Which leads to fewer possible combinations
That’s why it’s statistically easier to win something — especially the jackpot — in Lotto 6/49 compared to Lotto Max.
What’s Best? Lotto Max or Lotto 6/49?
It’s difficult to choose one clear winner — both Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 have their own advantages. Lotto Max is more popular, while Lotto 6/49 offers better odds of winning.
Tickets for both games are widely available at retail outlets and online platforms. Winning numbers are also displayed online, reducing the need to visit stores repeatedly.
Lotto Max generally offers higher maximum jackpots, whereas Lotto 6/49’s Gold Ball feature provides a chance at substantial prizes.
FAQs
Which lottery has bigger jackpots — Lotto Max or Lotto 6/49?
Lotto Max jackpots can go up to $80 million, making it the game with higher top-end prizes. Lotto 6/49’s Classic Jackpot is fixed at $5 million, but the Gold Ball Jackpot can exceed $60 million.
When are the draws for Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 held?
Lotto Max draws are held every Tuesday and Friday. Lotto 6/49 draws are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
What is the Gold Ball Draw in Lotto 6/49?
The Gold Ball Draw is an additional prize pool offering a guaranteed winner for every draw. A random selection determines whether the winner receives a fixed $1 million or the growing Gold Ball Jackpot.