How To Play Instant Top Up In Canada?

Instant Top Up in Canada is the latest and the world’s first add-on game for INSTANT lottery tickets. Launched by OLG (Ontario lottery) the players now can ask for INSTANT TOP UP with your ticket purchase for $1 more for a chance to win a growing jackpot in-store. The jackpot  which starts at $25,000  grows with each ticket purchased across the province until it is won. Then, it resets and starts to grow again.

According to OLG President and CEO, Duncan Hannay, “Playing an INSTANT ticket adds fun to your day. Adding INSTANT TOP UP to your purchase is an opportunity to amplify that fun, with a chance to win a jackpot right there in the store. He further added that “INSTANT TOP UP is OLG’s unique creation – no other lottery organization offers anything like it. Our customer-obsessed innovation lab is intent on creating best-in-class experiences that reinforce our position as a leader in the entertainment industry.”

With an INSTANT TOP UP purchase, the lottery terminal screen will play an exciting animated video with flipping tiles of various prize amounts to display the outcome for the player. The result is also printed on the customer’s ticket.

How to play INSTANT TOP UP in Canada?

All you need is to visit your nearest lottery store and play instant lottery game. Then ask for Instant Top Up and add to your eligible instant ticket purchase for $1 more for a chance to win cash prizes, Free Plays or the jackpot that starts at $25,000 and grows until it’s won.

Now present the ticket to the retailer.

The retailer scans the barcode on the back of the ticket and collects $1 from the customer, which activates the game video on the lottery terminal screen.

If the video displays three matching tiles, the customer wins the corresponding prize. If a “TOP UP Bonus” tile is revealed, the customer wins a Bonus prize. The total prize amount will be displayed on the lottery terminal screen and the printed ticket.

Free Play prizes can be redeemed right away or saved for another time when the jackpot has grown even bigger.

Note that this is a “pay before you play” game and is only available at OLG retail locations in Ontario.

In-Store Purchase Only

INSTANT TOP UP is not available for purchase or play through OLG.ca or the OLG app. It is exclusively offered at authorized OLG retail locations across Ontario.

This retail-only model limits access for players who prefer the convenience of digital platforms or live in areas with fewer store options.

To play INSTANT TOP UP, you must visit a participating retail terminal in person. These are typically found at:

• Shoppers Drug Mart
• Rexall
• Circle K
• 7-Eleven
• Independent convenience stores and gas stations displaying the OLG logo

While in-store purchases may support responsible gambling through face-to-face transactions and age verification, the lack of online access could be seen as a drawback in an increasingly digital environment.

Additionally, players should note that these terminals are unavailable during scheduled maintenance, typically on Tuesday mornings between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., and availability may vary by location.

Eligibility & Ticket Types

To play INSTANT TOP UP, you must first have an eligible INSTANT ticket. Not all lottery tickets qualify. Only specific non-winning INSTANT tickets bought from retail stores in Ontario can be used.

An eligible ticket must be a fully scratched, non-winning ticket from a current INSTANT game. It should be in good condition with a scannable barcode. The ticket must not have been previously used to play INSTANT TOP UP. Each ticket provides only one play, regardless of its value.

Tickets from draw-based games such as Lotto Max or Lotto 6/49, even if they include an INSTANT component, are not valid. Online purchases made through OLG.ca also do not qualify, and neither do tickets purchased outside of Ontario.

Players can buy eligible INSTANT tickets at authorized retail stores across Ontario. These include major outlets like Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Circle K, and 7-Eleven, as well as smaller convenience stores and gas stations that carry OLG products.

Always check for the OLG logo at the terminal or storefront to ensure the location is approved.

While the eligibility rules are clearly defined, they do place some limitations on how and where you can participate.

The one-play-per-ticket rule and exclusion of online purchases may restrict accessibility for players who prefer digital convenience or who purchase multiple types of tickets in a single visit.

What You Should Not Do While Playing INSTANT TOP UP in Canada

When participating in INSTANT TOP UP in Canada (specifically in Ontario), there are several actions and behaviors you should avoid to ensure your play is valid, secure, and in compliance with official rules:

• Do not attempt to purchase INSTANT TOP UP without an eligible INSTANT ticket.
  INSTANT TOP UP is an add-on and cannot be played as a standalone game; it must be added to an eligible INSTANT ticket purchase.
• Do not try to add more than one INSTANT TOP UP per eligible ticket.
  Only one INSTANT TOP UP can be added per eligible INSTANT ticket purchase.
• Do not delay payment.
  You must pay for your INSTANT TOP UP before the ticket is printed. Payment after printing is not allowed.
• Do not expect a draw or delayed result.
  The outcome of INSTANT TOP UP is instant and revealed at the time of purchase. There is no waiting for a draw or future announcement.
• Do not ignore official rules and updates.
  The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) may change game conditions and rules at any time, with or without notice. Always check the latest rules to avoid misunderstandings or invalid play.
• Do not attempt to claim a prize without validating your ticket.
  Always sign your ticket and have it validated by a retailer to claim any prize.
• Do not rely solely on unofficial sources for results.
  Use the official OLG website, in-store ticket checkers, or ask a retailer for confirmation of winnings. The website may not always reflect the most recent changes or results.

How to Claim an INSTANT TOP UP Prize in Canada (Ontario)

1. Sign Your Ticket

• Immediately sign the back of your winning INSTANT TOP UP ticket to protect your claim.

2. Validate at a Lottery Retailer

• Take your signed ticket to any OLG lottery retailer.
• The retailer will scan and validate your ticket.
• If you win a cash prize under $1,000, the retailer can pay you directly (subject to store cash availability).
• The retailer will tear through the barcode of a paid-out ticket and return it to you with a customer receipt.

3. Claiming a Free Play

• If you win a Free Play, the retailer will ask if you want to play it immediately or save it for later.
• If you choose to play right away, the Free Play will be printed separately, and your receipt will be attached to the original ticket.

4. Prizes of $1,000 or More

• For prizes of $1,000 or more, you cannot claim at retail. You must claim online, by mail, or at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
  • Online: Submit your claim through the OLG website by completing the web form and attaching required documents. Processing typically takes about 5 business days.
  • By Mail: Mail your signed ticket, a completed Lottery Prize Claim Declaration Form, a photocopy of valid photo ID, and any required documents to the OLG Prize Centre. Processing by mail takes 6–8 weeks.
  • In Person: Book an appointment at the OLG Prize Centre if needed.

5. Expiry

• Prizes must be claimed before the expiry date printed on the back of your ticket.

6. Group Claims

• If claiming as a group, ensure all group documentation is completed and submitted as required by OLG.

What are the ways to win this game?

After paying for your INSTANT TOP UP play, watch the animated video on the lottery terminal’s Customer Display screen reveal if you’ve won a prize! 

A game board will appear with multiple tiles—the Neon tiles will flip revealing the different prize amounts.  

MATCH 3 to win!

• FREE PLAYS : Match 3 “Free Play” tiles and win a free INSTANT TOP UP play. 
• CASH PRIZES : Match 3 tiles with the same cash prize amount and win that prize.
• JACKPOT PRIZE : Match 3 Jackpot tiles and win the GROWING JACKPOT!
• TOP UP BONUS : Reveal a TOP UP BONUS tile for a Bonus Prize!  Your total prize will be displayed on the lottery terminal screen and on your ticket.

What are the odds of winning this game?

Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 4.00. Odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 2,000,000.00.

INSTANT TOP UP has cash prizes from $2 to $2,500 as well the growing jackpot. Free Play prizes are also available. See the chart below for available prizes and odds of winning:

Prize	Odds (1 in …)
JACKPOT	2,000,000.00
$2,500	1,000,000.00
$1,000	166,667.67
$100	5,000.00
$25	1,000.00
$10	75.47
$5	31.25
$3	25.00
$2	88.89
Free Play	6.57

How much is INSTANT TOP UP Jackpot?

The INSTANT TOP UP Jackpot can be won instantly! It starts at $25,000 and will grow with every ticket sold across Ontario until it is won. When the Jackpot is won at any point during the day, it will reset to $25,000 and start growing until it is won again. If not won, the Jackpot amount carries over to the next day.

FAQs

Q1. Can I purchase this game online?

No. INSTANT TOP UP is only available in-store at OLG lottery retail locations and must be played using an eligible INSTANT ticket.

Q2. What are the operating hours to buy INSTANT TOP UP ?

INSTANT TOP UP can be played using any eligible INSTANT ticket during terminal operating hours at a cost of $1. Sales close nightly at 2 a.m. and reopen at 4 a.m. the next day, except on Tuesdays when sales close at 1 a.m. and reopen at 5:30 a.m. 

INSTANT TOP UP can be added at the time of purchase, at validation or anytime after as long as the ticket remains eligible. 

Q3. What does it mean by Eligible instant ticket?

All INSTANT tickets that are active in OLG’s central computer system are eligible for INSTANT TOP UP. If an INSTANT ticket is not eligible, your retailer will receive an error message when trying to initiate a purchase.

Q4. How are prizes Topped up?

If a TOP UP Bonus tile is revealed, you’ve won a prize. Your total prize amount will be displayed on the lottery terminal screen and on your ticket.  

TOP UP Bonuses include Free Plays, $1, $2, $3 and $5 Bonus amounts only. Total prize amounts with a TOP UP Bonus range from a Free Play to $10.

Q5. Is there a limit on such game plays?

There is a limit of one INSTANT TOP UP play per eligible INSTANT ticket. Once a ticket has been used to purchase INSTANT TOP UP it cannot be used again. There is no limit to the number of INSTANT TOP UP plays you can purchase in-store, but you must use a different INSTANT ticket for each play.

Q6. Are Encore and advance play purchase available with this game ?

No. ENCORE and advanced play is not available with INSTANT TOP UP. There are no draws for INSTANT TOP UP. Each play purchased is eligible for the growing jackpot amount at the time of purchase or any of the other available prizes. 

Q7. What is the prize payout in this game?

The payout for INSTANT TOP UP is 65 per cent.

Q8. Can the top up  be added to Lotto 6 49 or Lotto Max?

When playing INSTANT TOP UP, your retailer has to scan the barcode on the back of an eligible INSTANT ticket to initiate your purchase. INSTANT TOP UP cannot be added to tickets for draw lottery games.

Remember that barcode does not contain information about your INSTANT TOP UP play and does not determine the outcome.

Q9. How to claim game prize?

Most INSTANT TOP UP prizes can be claimed at retail right after they are won. Free Play prizes can be redeemed for another INSTANT TOP UP play right away or saved for another time of your choosing.

Prize claims of $1,000 or more must be submitted to the OLG Prize Centre. Visit the Claiming Prizes page of OLG.ca or contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098 for information about the available prize claim methods. 

With INSTANT TOP UP, if you win a Free Play, your retailer will ask you if you want to play the Free Play right away or save it until later.  

If you want to redeem it right away, you just need to tell the retailer. They will have the lottery terminal automatically validate the prize. Your original ticket and the Customer Receipt will print together, and the Free Play will play out on the lottery terminal screen as the new ticket prints. When it’s done, be sure to collect both your original ticket and your new ticket from the retailer. 

If you decide you’d like to save the game prize for another time, again, just tell the retailer, and they will print your ticket to redeem at a later time. You’ll need to sign the ticket before you present it for redemption at retail.  

This is the only game with this auto-validation. You need to make sure to sign any other lottery product before presenting it to your retailer to check or redeem.

Game tickets can be validated, and any prizes claimed, for up to 12 months from the date the ticket was purchased. The purchase date is printed on the front of your ticket.

Q10. How does Jackpot prize grow?

The jackpot in this game starts at $25,000 and grows by $0.05 with each play purchased across Ontario until it is won. If the jackpot is won at any point during the day, it instantly resets to the base level of $25,000 and begins to grow again until it is won. If the jackpot is not won before sales close for the day, it carries over to the next day and continues to grow. 

All the game outcomes, including Jackpot prizes, are determined by a random number generator (RNG) at the time of purchase. The RNG has been independently tested and certified to ensure randomness.

Once the outcome is determined, a video is selected at random by the central computer system from a pool of videos applicable to the result. These CDU videos are for entertainment purposes only.

For the INSTANT TOP UP jackpot, the video on the lottery terminal screen will display three “Jackpot” tiles. The result is also printed on your ticket.

The estimated INSTANT TOP UP jackpot amount is displayed on the lottery terminal screen at retail and is refreshed every 60 seconds and whenever the jackpot is won. It can also be seen on the INSTANT TOP UP page of OLG.ca along with the specific time and date that the jackpot estimate was last updated. The web and mobile jackpot estimates are also updated approximately every 60 seconds.  You can refresh your page or close the page and open it again later. The jackpot can be won at any time, so players should always check the current jackpot estimate on the CDU at retail before playing INSTANT TOP UP.

Instant Top Up is the $1 Instant ticket add-on that gives you a chance to win a growing jackpot in-store! Seize the moment! pic.twitter.com/NQKHIsZVAv

— Ontario Lottery (@OntarioLottery) June 2, 2021