Frequently Asked Questions

Each of Loto-Québec’s lotteries has its own prize structure. It can be found in the sections describing each product.

In order to serve its customers better, Loto-Québec has introduced a few changes in how its draw results are presented. These changes were made based on comments and suggestions from our clientele.

Notably, since June 2009, our Web site users can personalize in which order lottery results are displayed on the Lotteries home page.

You can also view full video coverage of recent draws in the Video Zone since July 2009.

The organization responsible for overseeing promotional contests held by businesses is the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux. This government department is also responsible for issuing permits enabling charitable or religious organizations to conduct bingo activities and hold draws.

All draws, as well as the printing of all instant lottery tickets, take place in an honest and upright fashion, under the supervision of external auditing firms. As such, Loto-Québec employees and retailers are no more likely to win than any person in the general population.

Simply follow the instructions on the back of the ticket. For more information, contact the lottery corporation of the province involved.

If there is a disparity between the results published in some media sources and Loto-Québec’s official list, Loto-Québec’s official list will take precedence.

To participate in Loto-Québec’s various lotteries, you have to be at least 18 years old and live or be in Québec. Tickets for the various lotteries are sold at all Loto-Québec retailers. No tickets can be bought by mail. You can also play with Lotomatique, a lottery subscription service. To join, you must live in Québec and be 18 years of age or older.

No. Loto-Québec does not currently sell its products online.

No. Loto-Québec can sell lottery tickets only in Québec.

Consult the past results box in the left column. .

A set of seven different ball machines is used to draw these bonus prizes:

• Ball machine 1 contains balls numbered from 1 to 9
• Ball machines 2 and 3 contain balls numbered from 0 to 9
• Ball machine 4 contains balls with the letters A through H
• Ball machines 5, 6 and 7 contain balls numbered from 0 to 9

A wager lock is applied when the limit on potential prizes, set at $1.5 million for a selection (from 3 to 4 numbers with the "exact order" and "any order" options) is reached. For each selection, the computer calculates the total of potential prizes to be paid out. Once a selection is made that crosses the $1.5 million threshold, the computer rejects the selection.

In effect, the $1.5 million limit is the risk that Loto-Québec is prepared to assume for each selection. Average sales of La Quotidienne are about $70,000 per day, meaning that Loto-Québec risks having to pay out 21 times the day’s receipts. All lotteries in North America that operate this type of game have set up a product profitability protection mechanism. Demand for some popular selections is so high that the risk threshold is sometimes reached.

Regretfully, Loto-Québec does not accept suggestions from the public in regards to the development of new lotteries, products or advertising concepts. All development is carried out internally by a team of marketing professionals. In keeping with Loto-Québec's policies, the marketing department launches calls for tenders to meet any particular needs. Moreover, all other external advertising campaigns or other projects are carried out by authorized agents with exclusive mandates. We appreciate all comments regarding our products and advertising.

Yes, all lottery tickets are recyclable, including those from lottery terminals.

Anyone claiming a prize for the members of his or her group or for another person must provide the following supporting documents:

1. Regardless of the prize amount:

   • The winning ticket

   • One (1) piece of valid photo I.D. in the name of the owner of the ticket (in other words, the person who signed the back of the ticket). The I.D. may consist of:

     • a health insurance card
     • a driver's licence
     • a passport

   • In the case of a group purchase, the group representative must provide:

     • the group purchase agreement
     • one (1) piece of valid photo I.D. (see above) for each member of the group

2. If the prize won is over $600:

   • the Claim Form, duly completed and signed by the person who signed the back of the ticket, is also required.
   • In the case of a group purchase, if each group member's share is greater than $600, each member must complete and sign the Claim Form.

If all documents provided are verified and validated, the prize will be mailed to the person who signed the back of the winning ticket or to each member of a group, if it applies.

The answer can be found on this page.

The answer can be found on this page.

The answer can be found on this page.

The answer can be found on this page.

Even though Loto-Québec reserves the right to publish the winners' names, addresses and photographs for promotional reasons, the Corporation cannot, under any circumstances, disclose any list of winners directly to the public in accordance with the Loi sur l'accès aux documents des organismes publics et sur la protection des renseignements personnels (L.R.Q., ch. A-2.1).

According to the regulations, prizes payable by retailers are payable to the bearer of the ticket, whereas a winning ticket presented at one of Loto-Québec's payment counters (Montréal or Québec City) is payable to the legitimate owner of the ticket. Therefore, Loto-Québec requires proof of ID to verify the identity of the person claiming to be the owner of the winning ticket.

The application of this rule serves to protect consumers, irrespective of the amount won.

Loto-Québec will not pay out any prize prior to receiving and verifying the identity of the person attempting to claim a prize.

For prizes of $600 or less, the person claiming the prize on behalf of his or her group must present a piece of photo ID, e.g. health card, driver's license or passport, for each group member, along with the Group Purchase Agreement and prize claim form [PDF Format, 80 Kb, Help], duly completed and signed by each member of the group. For prizes over $600, the person claiming the prize must also ensure that each group member completes and signs the questionnaire found in the new prize claim form. Cheques shall be sent by mail to the members of the group.

The questionnaire consists of only four (4) questions, and allows Loto-Québec to validate certain information concerning the prize claim, as well as to determine the claimant's eligibility to claim the prize.

As of Monday, March 3, 2008, for all prizes over $600, photo ID must be presented, and the questionnaire on the new "Prize Claim Form" must be duly completed before a prize is given out, regardless of the amount.

Yes. In addition to having to present photo ID, the person who claims prizes totalling more than $600 must complete the questionnaire on the new Prize Claim Form, then sign it and submit it to Loto-Québec.

Simply follow the instructions on the back of the ticket. For more information, contact the lottery corporation of the province involved.

The answer can be found on this page.

The answer can be found on this page.

The answer can be found on this page.

Only an individual player aged 18 or older who lives in Québec can claim the "life annuity" lottery prize.

Yes. When a winner dies, the annuity is paid to the heirs for a maximum period of 20 years. This means that, if the winner dies within the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the heirs are entitled to the annuity (same payment frequency) for the balance of the 20 years which have not elapsed since the "life annuity" prize claim date. If the winner's death occurs following the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the legal heirs are not entitled to any amount.

However, where the winner is 71 years of age or older at the time the prize is claimed, the minimum payment period is shorter. In this case, it goes without saying that the winner is entitled to the annuity income. In case of death, the legal heirs can receive the income only until the date that would have been the winner's 91st birthday (Income Tax Act, article 304).

The answer can be found on this page.

Printing and random distribution of the tickets is the responsibility of the printer, who pays meticulous attention to operating security. Tickets are printed in rolls, then cut and assembled into booklets. Once the printer has verified that the prize structure is strictly adhered to, the booklets are put into boxes and delivered to Loto-Québec's regional distribution centres. It is at these highly secure centres that wholesalers pick up the tickets they will deliver to Loto-Québec retailers.

At no point it is possible to know which boxes contain the tickets hiding the grand prize, or any other prize. Moreover, Loto-Québec constantly maintains the highest possible security for the distribution and sale of lottery tickets.

All draws, as well as the printing of all instant lottery tickets, take place in an honest and upright fashion, under the supervision of external auditing firms. As such, Loto-Québec employees and retailers are no more likely to win than any person in the general population.

Printing and random distribution of the tickets is the responsibility of the printer, who pays meticulous attention to operating security. Tickets are printed in rolls, then cut and assembled into booklets. Once the printer has verified that the prize structure is strictly adhered to, the booklets are put into boxes and delivered to Loto-Québec's regional distribution centres. It is at these highly secure centres that wholesalers pick up the tickets they will deliver to Loto-Québec retailers.

At no point it is possible to know which boxes contain the tickets hiding the grand prize, or any other prize. Moreover, Loto-Québec constantly maintains the highest possible security for the distribution and sale of lottery tickets.

The answer can be found on this page.

The answer can be found on this page.

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

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

The deadline for Lotto Max is Friday at 9:00 p.m. Lotto 6/49 and Québec 49 selections can be entered until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday; for Astro, everyday at 9:00 p.m.; for Jour de paye, Thursday at 9:00 p.m.; and for La Quotidienne and Banco, 9:00 p.m. nightly.

If there is a disparity between the results published in some media sources and Loto-Québec’s official list, Loto-Québec’s official list will take precedence.

The answer can be found on this page.

For prizes of $600 or less, the person claiming the prize on behalf of his or her group must present a piece of photo ID, e.g. health card, driver's license or passport, for each group member, along with the Group Purchase Agreement and prize claim form [PDF Format, 80 Kb, Help], duly completed and signed by each member of the group. For prizes over $600, the person claiming the prize must also ensure that each group member completes and signs the questionnaire found in the new prize claim form. Cheques shall be sent by mail to the members of the group.

The answer can be found on this page.

To participate in Loto-Québec’s various lotteries, you have to be at least 18 years old and live or be in Québec. Tickets for the various lotteries are sold at all Loto-Québec retailers. No tickets can be bought by mail. You can also play with Lotomatique, a lottery subscription service. To join, you must live in Québec and be 18 years of age or older.

Find the answers to your questions in the Club Sélect FAQ.

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.

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".

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

For each Banco draw, balls numbered from 1 to 70 are placed in a single ball machine that enables 20 winning numbers to be drawn randomly. Players wager on between 2 and 10 numbers. So, you can participate in different types of wagers, such as wager 2, wager 3, wager 4, wager 5, wager 6, wager 7, wager 8, wager 9 and/or wager 10. You can also wager various amounts, such as $5 or $10. In all, there are 22 winning categories, varying from 2/2 to 10/10. With wager 10 at $1, you can win between $5 and $200,000. For more information, consult the Banco section on our Web site.

This lottery, drawn for the first time on May 3, 2001, offers a daily draw. The winning numbers for Banco spécial are the same as those drawn for Banco. So, there is a single draw of 20 numbers, whether you’re playing Banco or Banco spécial. The prizes for this lottery range from $5 to $1 million. A player with 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 winning numbers in Banco spécial wins the $1 million grand prize. Banco spécial and Triplex are the only Loto-Québec lotteries in which you can win without a single winning number. In the 0/20 category, the player wins a prize of $500. Banco spécial offers no fewer than 17 ways to win. For more information, visit our site’s Banco spécial section.

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.

Extra is available with the following terminal-based lotteries:

Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, Astro, Jour de paye, Triplex, Tango, Banco and Banco Spécial, Québec 49, la Quotidienne 3, la Quotidienne 4 as well as Trio lottos, Forfait Quotidien and Double Jeu 49.

This German-origin game is played in all other Canadian provinces, in U.S. states such as Ohio, Illinois, Oregon and Iowa and in many other countries (Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, etc.). The vast majority of lottery corporations systematically print a number on their tickets, which is a feature of this product.

The numbers are generated by a number-generation algorithm used by the Loto-Québec mainframe. Thus, each number between 0000000 and 9999999 is produced once; then the process starts over.

No, it’s not a mistake. Given that the computer assigns numbers from 0000000 through 9999999, it is normal for this number to appear on a consumer’s ticket. Moreover, since the Extra is drawn using ball machines that contain balls numbered from 0 to 9, a selection made up only of "0"s or "9"s is just as likely to win as a selection made up of different numbers.

Yes, this is completely normal. The computer generates and prints the same Extra number as long as consumers do not include the product in their selections. As soon as Extra is added, the computer assigns this same number with the note "Extra participant." It is only once the number is assigned that the computer issues a different number, and so on.

To win this lottery, you must first have agreed to play Extra and the words "Extra participant" must appear on the ticket. At the time of the draw, the ball machine selects a 7-digit number that is decomposable in both directions, from the first two digits to the last. You can win prizes ranging from $2 to $500,000. For further details, consult the Extra Prize Structure.

Consumers have to make sure they have all the numbers in the winning selection, and that they are contained in their own wager. You should know that La Quotidienne, with 3 or 4 numbers, does not offer the possibility of a decomposable number. To win La Quotidienne 3 or La Quotidienne 4, all your numbers must match the winning selection, in the exact order or in any order.

The odds of winning La Quotidienne 4 with two pairs are in the order of 1 in 10,000 (with the exact order option), and 1 in 1,666.7 (any order option).

The wager locking situation in La Quotidienne is not new. It has existed since this lottery was launched in 1979. As stated on the back of the selection slip, La Quotidienne is governed by the By-law respecting forecast contests and numbers games, which has liability limits. Loto‑Québec can therefore, at any time and at its discretion, refuse to accept wagers and issue tickets bearing any selection it determines.

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 to the categories 2/6 + B and 5/6+ B in Québec 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 Québec 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.

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

In Québec 49, the bonus number applies if the consumer has - in a same selection – 2 or 5 numbers that correctly 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, according to the case.

The bonus number is never shown on the ticket. For example, when a Québec 49 ticket is purchased, a selection of 6 numbers from 1 to 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.

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.

There is no cumulative grand prize for Québec 49 because when the grand prize is won, the amount paid out to the winners always exceeds the sales revenue generated by this draw.

No, the grand prize is not won at every draw. This is not unusual, considering that the game includes 13,983,816 possible selections and less than 1,000,000 selections are generally sold for every draw.

No. This amount is paid throughout the winner’s lifetime (in accordance with applicable terms).

Yes. Unlike other major prizes that are issued in a single payment, the life annuity prize has tax implications. The winner receives an income which is partly taxable. A designated insurance company pays the tax amount associated with the taxable part of each payment, based on the highest marginal tax rate in force at the time of purchase of the annuity. The balance of the annuity announced on the ticket (net of tax) is then paid to the winner on a weekly, monthly or annual basis.

Only an individual player aged 18 or older who lives in Québec can claim the "life annuity" lottery prize.

Yes. When a winner dies, the annuity is paid to the heirs for a maximum period of 20 years. This means that, if the winner dies within the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the heirs are entitled to the annuity (same payment frequency) for the balance of the 20 years which have not elapsed since the "life annuity" prize claim date. If the winner's death occurs following the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the legal heirs are not entitled to any amount.

However, where the winner is 71 years of age or older at the time the prize is claimed, the minimum payment period is shorter. In this case, it goes without saying that the winner is entitled to the annuity income. In case of death, the legal heirs can receive the income only until the date that would have been the winner's 91st birthday (Income Tax regulation, article 304).

If the winner dies before he has given his decision to Loto-Quebec, the legal heirs will be entitled to the one time lump sum.

If the winner chose the annuity option, the designated insurance company will be responsible for the administration and payment of the annuity.

In Lotto Max, a play is composed of 3 selections of 7 different numbers from 1 to 49. Prizes can be won in seven different categories: 7/7, 6/7+ B, 6/7, 5/7, 4/7, 3/7+ B and 3/7. To win, a single selection must contain 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 numbers that match the winning selection. The bonus number, represented by the "+ B" symbol, is associated only with the categories 6/7+ B and 3/7+ B. To win in these categories, a single selection must contain respectively, in addition to the bonus number, 6 or 3 numbers that match the winning selection. For more information, visit the Lotto Max section.

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 3/7+ B and 6/7+ B categories in Lotto Max;
• the way the complementary number is used is the same for all the lotteries to which it is linked.

Example: 3/7+ B category of Lotto Max
To win in this category, you must have, on the same selection, three (3) numbers matching the winning selection and also have the complementary number (+ B). Consequently, you cannot win in the 3/7+ B category with only two (2) numbers matching the winning selection and the complementary number.

This symbol represents the bonus number (complementary number) associated with one or more specific categories of various lotteries. In Lotto Max, it is associated with the 3/7+ B and 6/7+ B categories.

With Lotto Max, the bonus number applies if the consumer has - in a same selection - 3 or 6 numbers that correctly match the winning selection. If that same selection also contains the bonus number, the consumer wins the 3/7+ B or 6/7+ B prize (as applicable).

The bonus number is never shown on the ticket. For example, when a Lotto Max ticket is purchased, a participation of 3 selections of 7 numbers from 1 to 49 is given to the consumer. At the time of the draw, 8 numbers are drawn: the first seven numbers determine the winning selection, while the eighth number drawn is the bonus number.

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

The draws for Lotto Max are held every Friday in Toronto at about 9:30 p.m.

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

Depending on the game:

1. Uncover "VIE" 3 times in the same game and win the life annuity prize*.
2. Uncover 3 identical symbols in the same game and the "VIE" prize in the "LOT" box and win the life annuity prize*.

* Or a lump sum.

No. This amount is paid throughout the winner’s lifetime (in accordance with applicable terms).

Yes. Unlike other major prizes that are issued in a single payment, the life annuity prize has tax implications. The winner receives an income which is partly taxable. A designated insurance company pays the tax amount associated with the taxable part of each payment, based on the highest marginal tax rate in force at the time of purchase of the annuity. The balance of the annuity announced on the ticket (net of tax) is then paid to the winner on a weekly, monthly or annual basis.

Only an individual player aged 18 or older who lives in Québec can claim the "life annuity" lottery prize.

Yes. When a winner dies, the annuity is paid to the heirs for a maximum period of 20 years. This means that, if the winner dies within the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the heirs are entitled to the annuity (same payment frequency) for the balance of the 20 years which have not elapsed since the "life annuity" prize claim date. If the winner's death occurs following the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the legal heirs are not entitled to any amount.

However, where the winner is 71 years of age or older at the time the prize is claimed, the minimum payment period is shorter. In this case, it goes without saying that the winner is entitled to the annuity income. In case of death, the legal heirs can receive the income only until the date that would have been the winner's 91st birthday (Income Tax Act, article 304).

If the winner dies before he has given his decision to Loto-Quebec, the legal heirs will be entitled to the one time lump sum.

If the winner chose the annuity option, the designated insurance company will be responsible for the administration and payment of the annuity.

Uncover "VIE" 3 times in the same game and win the life annuity prize*.

* Or a lump sum.

No. This amount is paid throughout the winner’s lifetime (in accordance with applicable terms).

Yes. Unlike other major prizes that are issued in a single payment, the life annuity prize has tax implications. The winner receives an income which is partly taxable. A designated insurance company pays the tax amount associated with the taxable part of each payment, based on the highest marginal tax rate in force at the time of purchase of the annuity. The balance of the annuity announced on the ticket (net of tax) is then paid to the winner on a weekly, monthly or annual basis.

Only an individual player aged 18 or older who lives in Québec can claim the "life annuity" lottery prize.

Yes. When a winner dies, the annuity is paid to the heirs for a maximum period of 20 years. This means that, if the winner dies within the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the heirs are entitled to the annuity (same payment frequency) for the balance of the 20 years which have not elapsed since the "life annuity" prize claim date. If the winner's death occurs following the first 20 years after the prize claim date, the legal heirs are not entitled to any amount.

However, where the winner is 71 years of age or older at the time the prize is claimed, the minimum payment period is shorter. In this case, it goes without saying that the winner is entitled to the annuity income. In case of death, the legal heirs can receive the income only until the date that would have been the winner's 91st birthday (Income Tax Act, article 304).

If the winner dies before he has given his decision to Loto-Quebec, the legal heirs will be entitled to the one time lump sum.

If the winner chose the annuity option, the designated insurance company will be responsible for the administration and payment of the annuity.