Top 5 Canadian Lotteries to Play in 2025

Canadian lotteries to play are life changing jackpots giving a financial security to Canadians. Though Lotteries are a game of chance still Canucks go for it for the thrill to win just spending few dollars.

Also many Canadian lottery revenues support the local community in health and education sector thereby creating a sense of contribution.

Approximately 51.8% of Canadians reported purchasing a lottery ticket in the past year.

As of 2025, the top five most popular lotteries in Canada are:

1. Lotto Max
2. Lotto 6/49
3. Daily Grand
4. Ontario 49 (OLG)
5. BC 49 (BCLC)

Canadian Lotteries to Play

Interested in playing lotteries then let’s explore the top 5 Canadian lotteries to play. You will find out how to play, the ticket costs, draw time, odds to win and where to purchase online with various other important things which will help you to understand and play wisely.

1. Lotto Max

Lotto Max is one of Canada’s most popular national lotteries, known for its massive jackpots and frequent MaxMillions prizes.

• Cost of play: $5 per play
• Jackpot: Starts at $10 million, can grow up to $80 million.
• Draws: Every Tuesday and Friday.
• Bonus: When the jackpot exceeds $50 million, additional $1 million prizes called “MaxMillions” are added.

Jackpot size and how it rolls over

Jackpot starts at $10 Million and can grow upto $80 Million.

Like any progressive slot machine, the jackpot starts at $10 million and increases with each draw if not won. It grows according to the number of ticket sold, typically by $5 million or more, and the pot grows.

Once the Jackpot reaches $50 million each rollover adds MaxMillions draws.

Each MaxMillions prize is a separate $1 million jackpot, creating multiple millionaire opportunities. When the main jackpot hists $80 million it remains at this level until it is won.

Additional ticket sales contribute to more MaxMillions prizes, sometimes reaching over 50 separate $1 million draws. If the $80 million jackpot is not won, only the MaxMillions prizes can increase, creating a pool of potentially hundreds of millions in total payouts.

Once the main jackpot is won, it resets to $10 million for the next draw.

How to play Lotto Max?

• Simply head to the lottery store or retailer near you.
• Buy the ticket that costs $5 per play which includes 3 sets of 7 numbers (one chosen, two randomly generated).
• Choose 7 numbers from 1 to 50 for each play.
• You can either select your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick for randomly generated numbers.
• For an additional $1 per play, you can add the Extra or Encore for a chance to win up to $500,000, depending on your province.

Lotto Max Winning Odds

• The odds of winning a prize in Lotto Max depend on the number of matches and whether the MaxMillions feature is active.
• For Jackpot the main draw, the odds are 1 in 33,294,800. For MaxMillions feature, the odds are 1 in 33,294,800 per MaxMillions draw
• When the main jackpot hits $50 million or more, each $1 million MaxMillions prize has separate 1 in 33,294,800 odds, significantly increasing your chances of becoming a millionaire.

Important to note: The odds of hitting the main jackpot are challenging, but the multiple smaller prize categories provide better chances of winning something. Adding Encore/Extra can also improve your overall chances of winning a smaller prize.

Best paces to buy Lotto Max tickets online

You can purchase Lotto Max tickets online in Canada through official provincial lottery websites. Each province operates its own platform, ensuring secure and authorized access to lottery games.

In Saskatchewan & other Western Provinces you cannot buy Lotto Max Tickets online. You can get information on Lotto Max and other lottery games; however, online ticket purchases may not be available directly through the site. You should meet the age and residency requirements before purchasing.

There are many online sites in Canada that may offer Canadian lotteries to play but you are advised to play at legit government approved offial lottery websites and apps only.

The Canadian online lottery market was projected to reach $590 million by the end of 2024, indicating a growing trend towards digital participation.

Notable winners from 2024- 2025

Lotto Max winners list is available at the respective official lottery websites. Some of the latest winners to mention are:

. 1. Doug and Enid Hannon – $70 Million (Ontario)

2. Jean Lamontagne – $40 Million (Quebec)

3. Stephanie and Bryan – $40 Million (Ontario)

4. Laurene Shail and Doltan Hawk – $55 Million (Ontario)

5. Charles Coffey – $25 Million (Ontario)

2. Lotto 6/49

Lotto 6/49 is one of another popular Canadian lotteries to play and has big jackpots.

• Jackpot: Classic draw jackpot of $5 million; Gold Ball jackpot can reach up to $68 million.
• Draws: Every Wednesday and Saturday.
• Includes a guaranteed $1 million prize draw in addition to the main jackpot.

You can play this lottery with $3 per play. You can add Encore and Combo play which is optional with $1.

Guranteed $1M Prize

The Guaranteed $1 Million Prize is a special feature included with every Lotto 6/49 ticket, providing an extra chance to win big beyond the main jackpot. Here’s how it works:

1. Automatic Entry:
   • Each $3 Lotto 6/49 ticket includes a unique 10-digit code for the Guaranteed Prize Draw.
   • This code is automatically generated and printed on your ticket at the time of purchase.
2. Weekly Draws:
   • One $1 million prize is guaranteed to be won in every Wednesday and Saturday draw.
   • Unlike the main draw, this prize is guaranteed to be won every time.

To win, your 10-digit code must exactly match the drawn Guaranteed Prize Draw number, including the region code prefix. Example in Ontario Ticket: ON-12345678-90 and in British Columbia ticket: BC-98765432-10.

What you need to know here is that:

• It is always awarded to a single ticket holder, creating at least one new millionaire each draw.
• Unlike the main jackpot, this prize is not split among multiple winners.
• Unlike the main jackpot, this prize is not split among multiple winners.

Breakdown of winning tiers and odds

Lotto 6/49 offers multiple prize tiers, giving you the chance to win even if you don’t hit the main jackpot.

Match	Prize Amount	Odds for $3 Play
6/6	$5,000,000	1 in 13,983,816
5/6+	32.15% of the Pools Fund	1 in 2,330,636
5/6	13.5% of the Pools Fund	1 in 55,492
4/6	54.35% of the Pools Fund	1 in 1,033
3/6	$10	1 in 56.7
2/6+	$5	1 in 81.2
2/6	$3 Free Play	1 in 8.3

• The Lotto 6/49 Classic jackpot prize is $5 Million every draw.
• The Lotto 6/49 Classic jackpot prize will be shared if there is more than one winning regular selection.
• Share of Pool means the total prize amount allocated to any specific prize category is shared by the number of winning selections.
• 48% of total Lotto 6/49 sales are dedicated to Classic and Gold Ball draw prizing.
• The Pools Fund is the ‘Prize Fund’ (18.33% of sales) minus the sum of all the prizes payable to the winners in the 2/6, 2/6 + Bonus and the 3/6 categories.

Lotto 6/49 draw schedule

• The draw for this Canadian lotteries to play is held every Wednesday and Saturday. The draw time is Approximately 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT).
• Draw results are typically available on official provincial lottery websites and others, as well as through TV broadcasts in some regions.
• Results are also posted online shortly after the draw and in lottery retail locations the next day.

 Where to play it safely online

You can safely purchase Lotto 6/49 tickets online in Canada through official, government-regulated lottery platforms specific to each province. These platforms ensure secure transactions and are authorized to sell lottery tickets.

3. Daily Grand

Daily Grand is a popular Canadian lotteries to play and is known for offering a unique lifetime prize structure, giving winners the chance to receive guaranteed payments for life. It stands out from other lotteries like Lotto 6/49 or Lotto Max due to its distinctive prize format.

Top prize to win is : $1,000 a day for life, with a lump-sum option of $7 million.

$1000 a day for life: What does that really mean

Winning the top prize in the Daily Grand lottery means you have the option to receive $1,000 every day for the rest of your life, or a one-time lump sum of $7 million.

For the life time options:

• If you choose the $1,000 a day for life option, it is paid every day for as long as you live, with a guaranteed minimum of 20 years (or about $7.3 million).
• There is no maximum payout limit, meaning if you live 50 years after winning, you could receive over $18 million.
• In practice, the $1,000 a day is usually paid out as a monthly amount of approximately $30,000 before taxes.

For the lump sum option:

• Instead of lifetime payments, you can take a single payout of $7 million.
• This is a one-time, tax-free amount that provides immediate financial security without worrying about changing rules or life expectancy.
• You can invest the lump sum and potentially earn more over time, depending on your financial strategy.

Winning odds compared to other games

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Daily Grand odds against some of the most popular Canadian lotteries like Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and Ontario 49:

Lottery	Odds	Ticket Prize
Daily Grand	1 in 13,348,188	$3
Lotto 6/49	1 in 13,983,816	$3
Lotto Max	1 in 33,294,800	$5
Ontario 49	1 in 13,983,816	$1

• Daily Grand has slightly better overall odds (1 in 6.8) than Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max, making it a better choice for smaller wins.
• Lotto Max has the toughest jackpot odds (1 in 33.3 million), but also offers the largest potential top prize.
• Daily Grand’s lifetime prize option can offer significantly more value over time, depending on how long the winner lives.

4. Ontario 49 OLG

Ontario 49 is another Canadian lotteries to play operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). It offers a chance to win a fixed jackpot of $2 million with weekly draws.

65% of Ontario adults bought a lottery ticket in the past 12 months.

The jackpot prize is fixed at $2 million and Ontario 69 is available exclusively in Ontario, offering affordable play with a $1 ticket price.

Provincial game exclusive to Ontario

The Ontario 49 lottery is indeed one of the provincial games exclusive to Ontario, operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). However, there are other provincial-specific games in Ontario, aside from Ontario 49. Below is a list of provincial lottery games exclusive to Ontario:

Ontario 49

• Prize Pool: Fixed jackpot of $2 million.
• How to Play: Choose 6 numbers from 1 to 49.
• Draw Schedule: Draws take place twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday).
• Ticket Cost: $1 per ticket.
• Available: Only to players in Ontario.

2. Ontario 49 with Encore

• Prize Pool: Same as Ontario 49 (jackpot of $2 million).
• How to Play: Same as Ontario 49, but you can also opt for Encore for an additional fee.
• Encore Add-On: Costs $1 extra per ticket, and offers additional prizes based on your 7th number (Encore number).
• Draw Schedule: Same as Ontario 49 (Wednesday and Saturday).

3. Instant Lottery Games (Scratch Cards)

• OLG offers several scratch-off or instant win games that are only available to players within Ontario.
• These games have various themes, prices, and prizes, ranging from $1 to $30 per ticket.

OLG operates exclusive provincial games like Ontario 49 to keep lottery excitement within the province and generate local revenue. These lotteries are a part of Ontario’s legal gambling system, alongside the Ontario casinos, charitable gaming, and sports betting. OLG’s exclusive games allow Ontario residents to participate in these draws and support provincial projects, community initiatives, and public services.

Affordable ticket cost and decent odds

• Ticket Cost: $1 per ticket.
• Jackpot: $2 million (fixed).
• Draws: Twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays).
• Odds of Winning the Jackpot (6/6): 1 in 13,983,816.
• Odds of Winning Any Prize: 1 in 6.6.

At only $1 per ticket, Ontario 49 offers a decent chance of winning a prize. While the odds of winning the jackpot are the same as other major lotteries, the cost is much lower, making it a great entry-level lottery game.

How it compares to national draws

When comparing Ontario 49 with national draws like Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49, there are several key differences related to ticket cost, jackpot size, and odds of winning.

Ticket Cost	Jackpot Size	Odds of Winning
Ontario 49: $1 per ticket.	Fixed Jackpot of $2 million	Jackpot Odds (6/6): 1 in 13,983,816.
Lotto Max: $5 per ticket.	Jackpot can grow as large as $70 million or more.	Jackpot Odds (7/7): 1 in 33,294,800.
Lotto 6/49: $3 per ticket	Starting Jackpot of $5 million, with rollovers that can push it much higher.	Jackpot Odds (6/6): 1 in 13,983,816.

Which is Better for You?

• For affordability: Ontario 49 is the best choice, as it offers a low-cost ticket at $1 with decent odds of winning a prize.
• For larger jackpots: Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 have significantly larger jackpots, with Lotto Max offering the largest potential payouts, but at the cost of a higher ticket price.
• For frequent play with smaller prizes: If you prefer frequent, low-cost opportunities, Ontario 49 is a solid option.

5. BC/49 (BCLC)

BC/49 is a popular provincial lottery game offered by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). It’s similar to Ontario 49 but is specifically for residents of British Columbia

British Columbia’s most popular provincial draw

In British Columbia, the most popular provincial draw is BC/49. Here’s why it’s so popular:

1. Affordable Ticket Cost: $1 per ticket makes BC/49 an affordable option for many players, especially when compared to national lotteries like Lotto Max or Lotto 6/49, which have higher ticket prices ($5 and $3, respectively).

2. Consistent Draws: BC/49 has regular, twice-weekly draws on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering frequent chances to win.

3. Fixed Jackpot: The $2 million fixed jackpot appeals to players because the prize amount doesn’t roll over. Even though the jackpot is fixed, it provides a large prize relative to the ticket cost, and many players appreciate the consistency.

4. Easy to Play: It’s a simple 6/49 format, where players select 6 numbers from a pool of 49 numbers. Matching all six numbers wins the jackpot, with smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers.

5. Local Appeal: BC/49 is exclusive to British Columbia and thus has a local, regional appeal. Many British Columbians prefer to play lotteries that are specific to their province.

6. Good Odds: The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 13,983,816, which is on par with Lotto 6/49. With a 1 in 6.6 chance of winning any prize, the game has good overall odds compared to many other Canadian lotteries to play.

Accessibility through BCLC platform

This provides a variety of ways for players to participate in the game. Here’s how you can access and play BC/49 through BCLC:

Through online BCLC site

• You can buy BC/49 tickets directly through the official BCLC website (playnow.com) if they are located in British Columbia and are 18 years or older.
• You need to create an account with BCLC to access online ticket purchasing.
• The website allows players to easily choose numbers, purchase tickets, and check results.
• The website is designed to be user-friendly and offers 24/7 access, so you can play BC/49 at any time, without having to go to a physical retailer.
• BCLC accepts a range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, to make transactions easy.

Through BCLC App

• The PlayNow app for iOS and Android allows players to buy BC/49 tickets on their mobile phones and tablets.
• The app offers the same functionality as the website, allowing players to check results, buy tickets, and manage their accounts.
• You can opt to receive push notifications for draw results and new features, which can keep you updated on BC/49 draws and any winnings.

Through Lottery Retailers

While online access is convenient, BC/49 tickets can also be purchased at any authorized lottery retailer in British Columbia, such as:

• Convenience stores
• Grocery stores
• Gas stations
• Dedicated lottery kiosks.

Our Pick

If you’re seeking a Canadian lottery with frequent winners and favorable odds, Lotto 6/49 stands out as a top choice. In 2024, Ontario players won over $1.15 billion in Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 prizes, with approximately 33.9 million winning tickets for Lotto 6/49 alone.

Lotto 6/49 with a 1 in 6.6 chance of winning any prize, it offers more favorable odds compared to Lotto Max’s 1 in 7. Also has both a $5 million Classic Jackpot and a Gold Ball Jackpot, which can exceed $60 million.

Canadian lotteries to play add fun and excitement and with tickets starting at just a few dollars, it’s an affordable way to participate in a big game of chance. As it allows people to imagine a better life, even if the odds are slim.

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