Lotto 6/49  -  Doesn't Change You,
except...

FAQ

1. How does Lotto 6/49 work?

   In Lotto 6/49, a selection is composed of 6 different numbers from 1 to 49. Prizes can be won in six different categories: 6/6, 5/6+ B, 5/6, 4/6, 3/6 and 2/6+ B. To win, a single selection must contain 3, 4, 5 or 6 numbers that match the winning selection. The bonus number, represented by the "+ B" symbol, is associated only with the categories 2/6+ B and 5/6+ B. To win in these categories, a single selection must contain respectively, in addition to the bonus number, 2 or 5 numbers that match the winning selection. For more information, visit the Lotto 6/49 section.

2. Why is the word Lotto spelled with two "t"s?

   The word "lotto" in the Lotto 6/49 trademark is not used by accident. In fact, this type of game originated in Italy, and the name "lotto" is derived from the Italian word for "prize".

3. How many possible selections are there in Lotto 6/49?

   There are exactly 13,983,816 different possible selections.

4. The "complementary" number… How does it work?

   Keep in mind that:

   • in the prize structure, the complementary number, also called the bonus number, is represented by the "+ B" symbol;
   • the complementary number is linked exclusively to the 2/6+ B and 5/6+ B categories in Lotto 6/49;
   • the way the complementary number is used is the same for all the lotteries to which it is linked.

   Example: 5/6+ B category of Lotto 6/49

   To win in this category, you must have, on the same line, five (5) numbers matching the winning selection and also have the complementary number (+ B). Consequently, you cannot win in the 5/6+ B category with only four (4) numbers matching the winning selection and the complementary number.

5. What does the "+ B" symbol shown beside some prize categories in various lotteries mean?

   This symbol represents the bonus number (complementary number) associated with one or more specific categories of various lotteries. In Lotto 6/49, it is associated with the 2/6+ B and 5/6+ B categories.

6. When is the bonus number used?

   In Lotto 6/49, the bonus number is applied if the consumer has – in a same selection- 2 or 5 numbers that match the winning selection. If that same selection also contains the bonus number, he wins the prize for the 2/6+ B or 5/6+ B category, as applicable.

7. Where is the bonus number shown on the ticket?

   The bonus number is never shown on the ticket. For example, when a Lotto 6/49 ticket is purchased, a selection of 6 numbers out of 49 is given the consumer. At the time of the draw, 7 numbers are drawn: the first 6 numbers determine the winning selection, while the seventh number drawn is the bonus number.

8. Do the results of Lotto 6/49 draws vary from province to province?

   No. The results are the same, since this lottery is sold across the country and only one draw is made.

9. Where and when are the Lotto 6/49 draws held?

   The draws for Lotto 6/49 are held every Wednesday and Saturday in Toronto at about 9:30 p.m.

10. What is a Lotto 6/49 “combinaison” slip?

    The “combinaison” slip allows all possible 6-number selections to be generated from an ensemble of 5, 7, 8 or 9 numbers selected by the consumer.

11. What impact do popular selections have on prizes won?

    The answer can be found on this page.

12. What is the proportion of jackpots won in Québec as compared to the other provinces?

    To correctly answer this question, it is important to take into account the notion of market share (the relative proportion of the total number of people old enough to legally purchase lottery tickets in Canada). For purposes of comparison, here are the respective percentages of the 18 years + population within the jurisdictions of the five Canadian lottery corporation that offer large jackpots, all members of the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC).

    	Population 18+
    Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC)	38.6%	10,545,698
    Loto-Québec	23.4%	6,403,341
    Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC)	17.4%	4,751,760
    British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)	13.5%	3,700,142
    Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC)	7%	1,912,378
    Total	100%	27,313,319

    For 2010-2011, Québec’s market share averaged 25.4% for sales of Lotto 6/49 and 18.2% for sales of Lotto Max, while its 18+ population was 23.4% of the total population. In short, population distribution closely reflects each region’s respective market share.
    
    As you see, the adult population is larger in Ontario and, consequently, so is the number of tickets sold. Even if luck is the only key factor when a draw is held, the probability of jackpots being won in Ontario is higher simply because the province has a larger market share.