Frequently Asked Questions

Unclaimed prizes of all lottery products, with the exception of Canada-wide games, are deposited in a reserve. Such reserve is used to fund the payment of bonus prizes and prizes to retailers.

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

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 obtain Loto-Québec’s different lottery products, you must be 18 years of age or older. Lottery tickets are sold by all Loto-Québec retailers. Some lottery products are also sold online to Québec residents in the province. No tickets are sold by mail.

Notice: Loto-Québec has decided to close its Lotomatique subscription service, effective September 14, 2013. You’ll find all the details here.

Yes. Loto-Québec offers sports betting and some lotteries online. No other site is authorized by Loto-Québec to sell lotteries on the Internet.

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

Consult the past results box in the left column.

The ticket claim period is one year from the draw date printed on the ticket or, for scratch tickets, one year from the product launch date.

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

There are limited total prize amounts for certain categories with Banco, Banco spécial, Triplex, Astro, Lotto Poker, Sprinto, Lotto :D, Québec 49 (for the 5/6 + bonus category only) and Québec Max (for the 6/7 + bonus category only). For example, the maximum prize amount for Banco is limited to $4 million per draw, for each category.

The limited payable amount for a draw is likely to be reached when the winning selection is held by several people.

The maximum payable amount for each game is written on the back of the selection slips. This information and more, including the prize structures and the chances of winning, can also be found on the pages related to each products.

The answer can be found on this page.

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.

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).

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.

A study of the arrangement of information on the tickets allowed us to reduce the size of terminal-issued lottery tickets by approximately 22% to 45%, depending on the product, while maintaining optimal information readability.

What changes were made?

• The number of draws, draw date(s) and price are now grouped in the upper right corner of the ticket.
• Number presentation for products played with combination slips is different from that for regular products. Each number is presented separately.
• The control number was moved to the bottom of the ticket.
• The signature box was replaced with a simple line.
• The box containing the consumer service number was removed because this information is printed on the back of the ticket.
• Repetitions were eliminated. Therefore, "Loto-Québec" at the bottom of the ticket was removed, as the "lotoquebec.com" address is now printed repeatedly on the blue side bands.

See answer here.

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:

     • a group 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 Prize 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).

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 licence or passport, for each group member, along with any group 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.

Since Monday, March 3, 2008, for all prizes over $600, photo ID must be presented, and the questionnaire on the 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).

Nearly 8,700 retailers.

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 and Québec 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, Triplex, Lotto Poker, Sprinto and Lotto :D, everyday 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 licence or passport, for each group member, along with any group 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.

Since the launch of Formule groupe on November 22, 2010, the Group Purchase Agreement can no longer be obtained by Loto-Québec, be it in printed form or on the Loto-Québec web site.

However it is possible to write your own group agreement if you wish to organize a group for lotteries not offered by Formule groupe or for groups of more than 20 shares.

To obtain Loto-Québec’s different lottery products, you must be 18 years of age or older. Lottery tickets are sold by all Loto-Québec retailers. Some lottery products are also sold online to Québec residents in the province. No tickets are sold by mail.

Notice: Loto-Québec has decided to close its Lotomatique subscription service, effective September 14, 2013. You’ll find all the details here.

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

There are limited total prize amounts for certain categories with Banco, Banco spécial, Triplex, Astro, Lotto Poker, Sprinto, Lotto :D, Québec 49 (for the 5/6 + bonus category only) and Québec Max (for the 6/7 + bonus category only). For example, the maximum prize amount for Banco is limited to $4 million per draw, for each category.

The limited payable amount for a draw is likely to be reached when the winning selection is held by several people.

The maximum payable amount for each game is written on the back of the selection slips. This information and more, including the prize structures and the chances of winning, can also be found on the pages related to each products.

The answer can be found on this page.

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 $1, $2, $5 or $10. In all, there are 23 winning categories, varying from 2/2 to 10/10. With wager 10 at $1, you can win between $2 and $200,000. For more information, consult the Banco section on our Web site.

Extra is available with the following terminal-based lotteries:

Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, Astro, Triplex, Banco and Banco Spécial, Québec Max, Québec 49, la Quotidienne 3, la Quotidienne 4 as well as Forfait lottos, Forfait Quotidien, Double Jeu Max, Double Jeu 49 and Formule groupe.

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 can be generated.

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.

To win this lottery, you must first have agreed to play Extra and the words "Extra" 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 $1,000.000. For further details, consult the Extra Prize Structure.

The answer can be found on this page.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are limited total prize amounts for certain categories with Banco, Banco spécial, Triplex, Astro, Lotto Poker, Sprinto, Lotto :D, Québec 49 (for the 5/6 + bonus category only) and Québec Max (for the 6/7 + bonus category only). For example, the maximum prize amount for Banco is limited to $4 million per draw, for each category.

The limited payable amount for a draw is likely to be reached when the winning selection is held by several people.

The maximum payable amount for each game is written on the back of the selection slips. This information and more, including the prize structures and the chances of winning, can also be found on the pages related to each products.

The answer can be found on this page.

There are limited total prize amounts for certain categories with Banco, Banco spécial, Triplex, Astro, Lotto Poker, Sprinto, Lotto :D, Québec 49 (for the 5/6 + bonus category only) and Québec Max (for the 6/7 + bonus category only). For example, the maximum prize amount for Banco is limited to $4 million per draw, for each category.

The limited payable amount for a draw is likely to be reached when the winning selection is held by several people.

The maximum payable amount for each game is written on the back of the selection slips. This information and more, including the prize structures and the chances of winning, can also be found on the pages related to each products.

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.

The answer can be found on this page.

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).

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.

A group may play one draw at a time, specifically the following draw of the game(s) selected.

However, the Replay option is available and may be used within 30 days following the draw in which the group has participated. The deadline is indicated on the Création de groupe coupon.

No, with the exception of a group participating Lotto Max and Québec Max (Double Jeu Max) or Lotto 6/49 and Québec 49 (Double Jeu 49) draws on the same day.

From 2 to 20.

The group may enter the numbers of a maximum of 10 selections to which a maximum of 10 Quick Picks may be added.

It should be noted that, with Lotto Max and Québec Max, only the numbers for the first selection may be chosen. Two other selections are automatically generated by computer to complete the play.

From 2 to 20.

Formule Groupe will be in effect as of November 22, 2010. Thereafter, the Group Purchase Agreement will no longer be available from Loto-Québec, either in hardcopy or on the website, and the terminal will not issue no-value group copies.

It is therefore recommended that the group organizer should endorse the ticket with the mention "as a group", make photocopies of the ticket, give a copy to each group member and write a group agreement on which the information necessary to claim a prize should appear:

• The name of the person in charge of a group;
• The name and address of each group member, including postal code and telephone number;
• Each person's share;
• The name of the lottery purchased;
• The number of the lottery ticket purchased;
• The date of each draw.

The agreement must be dated and signed by all group members. It's a good idea to give a photocopy of the agreement to each one of them.

The purchase price of Extra numbers must be divisible by the number of shares in the group. The terminal therefore automatically indicates the number of Extra tickets that could be played by a group. For example, for a group with 3 shares, the terminal will indicate 3, 6 or 9 Extra numbers.

As for any lottery ticket, it is important to sign your group ticket. This makes it easier to demonstrate that you own the ticket.

No. The group may, however, fill out a new Formule groupe selection slip using the numbers indicated on its group ticket. In that case, the same Extra number(s) cannot be replayed. In the case of Lotto Max and Québec Max, the group cannot replay all three selections unless three plays are purchased as each selection chosen is automatically accompanied by two computer-generated selections to complete the play.

Each holder of a winning group ticket may claim his prize of $600 or less at a Loto-Québec’s retailer of his choice, regardless of the total prize won by the group for the winning selection. For a prize over $600, he must claim at  Loto-Québec’s Montréal or Québec City offices.

The Free play automatically participate in the draw following the draw for which it was won. A group member will receive the ticket associated with the said free play by validating his/her initial winning ticket.

Here is an example: The consumer purchases a group ticket for the December 3 Lotto Max draw for which he wins a free play valid for the December 10 draw. If he validates his group ticket on December 16 of the same year, the retailer would give him a free group ticket on which the following message is printed: "Date [December 10] of the draw for which one or more free plays have been issued. Please validate this ticket immediately."

No, groups can not play online for the time being.

For $2, a consumer gets a 5-card selection and can win in two ways: at Quick Play or at a ball machine evening draw that takes place on the same day the selection was purchased, as long as the wager has been registered before 9:00 p.m. Otherwise, the selection or selections will be valid for the evening draw of the following day.

Once the consumer hands the retailer the $2 payment for a Lotto Poker selection, the retailer activates the Lotto Poker game on his terminal. The 5-card selection purchased by the consumer is then displayed on the terminal’s consumer screen and simultaneously printed on the ticket. The Lotto Poker ticket will indicate whether it is a winner or non-winner at Quick Play.
If the selection is a winner, the prize amount will be shown. The Lotto Poker Prize structure offers Quick Play prizes of between $2 and $5,000.

The Quick Play selection is also valid for an evening draw, the date of which is shown on the ticket. Each day, Loto-Québec draws 5 balls from a ball machine that contains 52 balls representing the 52 cards of an ordinary deck with 4 suits (Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds and Spades) of 13 cards each. The ticket holder has a chance of winning between $2 and $100,000.

The term "Quick Play" is used in this lottery because this product is only sold through the Quick Pick feature. Also, the purchaser immediately sees the result of Quick Play on the terminal’s consumer display.

Once you have paid the amount of your selection to the retailer, Quick Play is activated by him on the terminal. A unique Lotto Poker sound will tell you when the game begins.

Once the cards have been turned over on the terminal’s consumer display, a winner (gagnant) or not a winner (non gagnant) message appears on the consumer screen, and the terminal plays a unique, Lotto Poker “gagnant” or "non gagnant" sound to tell you that the game is over. You can listen to these sounds on the Lotto Poker page of Loto-Québec’s web site.

Yes.

You can purchase up to three selections on the same ticket. All cards on a ticket come from a single deck of cards. The same card cannot be used for more than one selection on the same ticket.

Retailers cannot cancel Lotto Poker tickets. Due to the fact that Lotto Poker includes Quick Play in which results are immediately displayed, purchasers must make payment before the retailer completes the transaction on the game terminal and hands them the printed ticket.

Draws are held daily in Montréal at around 9:30 p.m.
If your wager is registered before 9:00 p.m., your selection is valid for that day’s draw. Otherwise, your selection will be valid for the evening draw of the following day.

For $2 or $5, a consumer gets a 5-number selection and can win in two ways: at Quick Play or at a ball machine evening draw that takes place on the same day the selection was purchased, as long as the wager has been registered before 9:00 p.m. Otherwise, the selection will be valid for the evening draw of the following day. The prize structure associated with a $2 selection is different from the prize structure associated with a $5 selection.

Once the consumer hands the retailer the $2 or $5 payment for a Sprinto selection, the retailer activates the Sprinto game on his terminal. The animation on the consumer display reveals a selection for an evening draw and the result of the in-store Quick Play (racing game). The selection (made up of 5 numbers from 1 to 50) is simultaneously printed on the ticket. The Sprinto ticket will indicate whether it is a winner or non-winner at Quick Play as well as the prize won at that game, if any. Depending on the prize structure, you may win between $2 and $5,000 with a $2 selection, or between $5 and $25,000 with a $5 selection.

Your selection is valid for the evening draw of the date indicated on the ticket. Each day, Loto-Québec draws 5 balls from a ball machine that contains 50 balls numbered from 1 to 50. The ticket holder has a chance of winning between $2 and $100,000 with a $2 selection and between $5 and $250,000 with a $5 selection.

The term “Quick Play” is used in this lottery because this product is only sold through the Quick Pick feature. Also, the purchaser immediately sees the result of Quick Play on the terminal’s consumer display.

Once you have paid the amount of your selection to the retailer, Quick Play is activated by him on the terminal. A unique Sprinto sound will tell you when the game begins.

The Quick Play ends when one of the 5 contestants that are designated by the numbers of the selection on your ticket reaches the finish line. A winner (gagnant) or not a winner (non gagnant) message appears on the consumer screen, and the terminal plays a unique, Sprinto “gagnant” or “non gagnant” sound to tell you that the game is over. You can listen to these sounds on the Sprinto page of Loto-Québec’s web site.

Yes.

You can purchase only one selection per ticket.

Retailers cannot cancel Sprinto tickets. Due to the fact that Sprinto includes Quick Play in which results are immediately displayed, purchasers must make payment before the retailer completes the transaction on the game terminal and hands them the printed ticket.

Draws are held daily in Montréal at around 9:30 p.m.
If your wager is registered before 9:00 p.m., your selection is valid for that day’s draw. Otherwise, the selection will be valid for the evening draw of the following day.

A $5 selection provides better odds of a Quick Play win than does a $2 selection. Overall, odds of winning a prize with a $5 selection are 1 in 2.80 (including the Quick Play and one draw), and 1 in 3.02 (including the Quick Play and one draw) with a $2 selection.

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.

In Québec Max, a play is composed of 3 selections of 7 different numbers from 1 to 49.

Each week on Fridays, Loto-Québec will cause in a main draw seven main numbers and one bonus number to be drawn at random among all numbers from 1 to 49. This main selection allows to win a grand prize of $2,000,000 or secondary prizes. Afterwards, an additional selections draw is held, in which seven additional selections of seven numbers from 1 to 49 are drawn, each allowing to win a prize of $1,000,000. Each of those prizes is called an "additional prize".

A grand prize of $2,000,000 and 7 additional prizes of $1,000,000 are drawn each week in Québec Max.

In the main draw, 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 Québec Max section.

In the additional selections draw, one of the seven prizes of $1,000,000 (divisible) can be won, and each of those prizes is called an "additional prize". For each additional prize, an additional selection of seven numbers from 1 to 49 is drawn. To win an additional prize of $1,000,000, a single selection must contain all seven numbers that match those of an additional winning selection.

Additional prizes are prizes of $1,000,000 which are drawn each week, in the additional selections draw of Québec Max. In this draw, which is held after the main draw, there are seven additional prizes to win. For each of those prizes, an additional selection of seven numbers from 1 to 49 is drawn.

The winning selections of an additional prize are not decomposable and each prize is shared amongst the winners. For a winning selection of an additional prize of $1,000,000, a selection on the customer’s ticket must include all seven numbers of the same single additional winning selection.

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 the main draw of Québec 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 the main draw of Québec 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 Québec Max, it is associated with the 3/7 + B and 6/7 + B categories of the main draw.

With Québec Max, the bonus number applies if the consumer has - in a same selection - 3 or 6 numbers that correctly match the winning selection of the main draw. 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 Québec 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 main draw, 8 numbers are drawn: the first seven numbers determine the winning selection, while the eighth number drawn is the bonus number.

The Québec 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.

The answer can be found on this page.

Considering that the Québec Max game includes 85,900,584 possible selections and each play of a ticket is composed of 3 selections, the odds of winning the grand prize per play are 1 in 28,633,528

No. It is quite normal for the Québec Max $1 M prizes and $2 M grand prize to not be won at each draw, since the odds of winning one of these prizes per play are 1 in 3,579,191. However, it is expected that 500,000 plays will be sold per draw on average.

The same holds true for Québec 49, as the game includes 13,983,816 possible selections and less than 1,000,000 selections are generally sold for each draw.

Québec Max and Québec 49 are local versions of the pan-Canadian games Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49. However, these two games do not offer cumulative grand prizes because when a grand prize is won, the amount paid out to the winners always exceeds the sales revenue generated by the draw. This explains why the amounts of Québec Max and Québec 49 grand prizes are fixed and are paid at a frequency determined by their annual sales.

There are limited total prize amounts for certain categories with Banco, Banco spécial, Triplex, Astro, Lotto Poker, Sprinto, Lotto :D, Québec 49 (for the 5/6 + bonus category only) and Québec Max (for the 6/7 + bonus category only). For example, the maximum prize amount for Banco is limited to $4 million per draw, for each category.

The limited payable amount for a draw is likely to be reached when the winning selection is held by several people.

The maximum payable amount for each game is written on the back of the selection slips. This information and more, including the prize structures and the chances of winning, can also be found on the pages related to each products.

For a $2 or $5, a consumer gets one selection (i.e. a number composed of 8 digits from 1 to 6). These eight digits are those obtained in “Vos dés” during the Quick Play animation. The consumer can win in two ways with this selection: at Quick Play or at a ball machine evening draw that takes place on the same day the selection is purchased, provided the wager is registered before 9:00 p.m. Otherwise, the selection will be valid for the evening draw of the following day. The prize structure for a $2 selection is different from the prize structure for a $5 selection.

The “Dé rouge” is the reference dice used in the Lotto :D game.When the transaction is being processed, the “Dé rouge” is displayed on the consumer screen, followed by “Vos dés” (eight white dice). If at least two of “Vos dés” are identical in value to the “Dé rouge”, you win the corresponding prize indicated in Lotto :D's Quick Play prize structure.

Once the consumer hands the retailer the $2 or $5 payment for a Lotto :D selection, the retailer activates the Lotto :D game on his terminal. The animation on the consumer screen reveals the results of the in-store Quick Play, and leads to a selection for an evening draw. The selection (composed of 8 digits from 1 to 6) is simultaneously printed on the ticket. These eight digits are those obtained in “Vos dés” during the Quick Play animation. The Lotto :D ticket will indicate whether it is a winner or non-winner at Quick Play as well as the prize won at that game and the number of “Vos dés” identical in value to the “Dé rouge,” if applicable. Depending on the prize structure, the consumer may win $2 to $2,000 with a $2 selection, or $5 to $5,000 with a $5 selection.

The Quick Play selection is valid for an evening draw, the date of which is indicated on the ticket. Each day, Loto-Québec performs a random draw using 8 ball machines each containing 6 balls numbered from 1 to 6. One ball is drawn from each ball machine to form the winning number. The ticket holder may win $2 to $25,000 with a $2 selection and $5 to $100,000 with a $5 selection.

The term “Quick Play” is used in this lottery because this product is only sold using the Quick Pick feature. Also, the consumer immediately sees the result of Quick Play on the terminal’s consumer screen.

Once you have paid the amount of your selection to the retailer, Quick Play is activated by him on the terminal. A unique Lotto :D sound will tell you when the game begins.

Once the “Dé rouge” and the eight white dice (“Vos dés”) have been thrown, a winner (gagnant) or not a winner (non gagnant) message appears on the consumer screen and the terminal plays a winner or non-winner sound to tell you that the game is over. You can listen to these sounds on the Lotto :D page of Loto-Québec’s web site.

Yes.

You can purchase only one selection per ticket.

Retailers cannot cancel Lotto :D tickets. Due to the fact that Lotto :D includes Quick Play in which results are immediately displayed, purchasers must make payment before the retailer completes the transaction on the game terminal and hands them the printed ticket.

Draws are held daily in Montréal at around 9:30 p.m.

If your wager is registered before 9:00 p.m., your selection is valid for that day’s draw. Otherwise, the selection will be valid for the evening draw of the following day.

With a $2 or a $5 selection, the consumer has 1 chance out of 2.33 to win a prize (including the Quick Play and one draw). The $5 selection offers larger prizes.

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.

The answer can be found on this page.

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).

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.