How to Claim Lottery Winnings in Canada (Step-by-Step)

Winning a game of lottery is exciting, but then the most important procedure comes to mind, i.e., claiming the lottery prize. This can be done in two ways — either online or offline.

Different provinces and territories in Canada have similar procedures, but there are some key variations depending on the amount won and how the ticket was purchased (online or in-store).

Last year, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) reported over $4.9 billion in prizes awarded.

In Canada, lotteries are played as per provinces, and hence the specific procedure to claim winning lottery prizes is based on the province.

How to Claim Lottery Winnings in Canada (Winner’s Actions – 5 Provinces)

Regardless of the province, the very first things you should do are:

1. Sign the back of your winning ticket immediately. This helps establish ownership.
2. Keep your ticket in a safe place to prevent loss or damage.

The way you need to claim your winnings will depend on the amount you won and how you purchased the tickets.

Now, here’s what you need to do to claim your prize in each of the five provinces:

1. Ontario (OLG) – What you need to know?

Claiming a lottery prize in Ontario depends on the amount won and how the ticket was purchased.

• Under $1,000: Retail
• $1,000 to $9,999.99: Mail
• $10,000 or more: Appointment

For prizes under $1,000, retail players can visit any authorized OLG retailer, sign the back of their ticket, and claim the prize directly, while online players will see their winnings automatically credited to their OLG.ca account.

For prizes between $1,000 and $9,999.99, retail players must complete a Lottery Prize Claim Declaration Form and either mail the signed ticket, a copy of valid ID, and the form to the OLG Prize Centre or submit these documents through the online claim portal. Online ticket holders in this range are contacted by OLG with further steps.

Mail to: OLG Prize Centre, P.O. Box 130, 31 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON, M5C 2J1. Mail-in claims take 6-8 weeks.

For prizes of $10,000 or more, winners must schedule an appointment with the OLG Prize Centre and bring their original ticket, ID, and completed form. In such cases, OLG conducts a verification interview to confirm ticket ownership.

All claims must be made within 12 months of the draw date, and group winners need to submit a group claim form.

2. British Columbia

In British Columbia, the method for claiming lottery prizes depends on the prize amount. Prizes of $2,000 and under can be claimed at any lottery retailer in BC.

You’ll have multiple ways to claim your prize if it’s between $2,000.01 and $24,999.99.

In-Person at a Regional Prize Payout Location

• Open Monday to Saturday (typically until 4 PM; hours may vary)

By Phone – Digital Claim Process

• Call BCLC Customer Support at 1-866-815-0222
• Requires printing, signing, and scanning documents

Drop-in at BCLC Head Office

• Open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM
• Appointment recommended

By Mail

Address: BCLC Head Office

Send your signed ticket, completed back portion, a copy of valid photo ID, and the Mail Declaration Form (required for prizes over $2,000)

For prizes of $25,000 and over, winners must call BCLC Customer Support for specific instructions. In all cases, players must sign the front and fill out the back of the ticket, and provide one piece of valid government-issued photo ID.

Group claims over $2,000.01 require a Group Prize Agreement Form. Claims must be made within one year from the draw date for online tickets, while Scratch & Win tickets must be claimed before the printed expiry date.

3. Atlantic Canada

If you are located in Atlantic Canada and have a winning lottery ticket in hand, you can claim your prize using the following methods:

Firstly, if your prize is up to $250, it can be claimed at local lottery retail locations.

In addition, there are two more options:

1. Via Prize Claim Form – Tickets worth up to $9,999 can be redeemed using a completed Prize Claim Form.
2. Mail-in Prize Claim – Prizes of up to $999.99 can be claimed by mail. You will need to send a copy of one piece of primary ID or two pieces of secondary ID (see identification guidelines), your original ticket (keep a copy for your records), your current address, and a daytime phone number or email address. Mail your documents to:
   PO Box 5500, 922 Main St., Moncton, N.B., E1C 8W6

If your ticket is a winner of $10,000 or more, contact Atlantic Lottery at 1-800-561-3942 to make arrangements.

General Process to Claim Canadian Lottery Prize

There are three different ways to claim a lottery prize while staying in Canada:

1. For lower prizes, you can visit local lottery retailers in your province.
2. For medium-sized winnings, you can claim your prize by mail, through a Prize Claim Form, or by using your online account on the provincial lottery website.
3. For large prizes of $10,000 or more, you’ll need to contact your provincial lottery corporation, such as OLG, BCLC, ALC, etc.

You will be required to provide valid ID, sign necessary documents, and may be asked to take a photo or participate in a winner announcement.

Things to do before claiming lottery prize

There are certain things that need to be kept in mind before starting the prize claim process. Every provincial lottery website clearly states that you must sign the back of your winning ticket. This confirms that you are the rightful owner.

Once you’ve done that, follow the steps below to avoid any mistakes during the claim process:

1. After winning, always double-check the numbers—either by using the official lottery website or a ticket scanner at a store.
2. Visit your province’s lottery website to understand the claim process, required documents, and available options based on your prize amount.
3. Gather your identification documents, especially if you’re claiming a large prize.
4. Before mailing or submitting your ticket, take a clear copy for your own records. This helps in case anything goes missing.
5. Lottery prizes typically must be claimed within one year of the draw date. Always check your ticket’s expiry date.

Tip: Store your ticket in a safe place until your claim is processed. Avoid folding, damaging, or altering it in any way.

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