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Lotto 6/49Lotto 6/49 — full guide
Prize tiers, how to play, odds, and tips. Use the section links to jump ahead.
Related tools
Prize tiers, how to play, odds, and tips. Use the section links to jump ahead.
Lotto 6/49 is Canada's longest-running national lottery. Match six numbers from 49 to win the classic jackpot at odds of 1 in 13,983,816.
Since 2022 the game also includes a Gold Ball Draw with a separate $1 million to $68 million prize pool. This guide covers both draws, all prize tiers, and how our generator fits a standard 6/49 line.
Lotto 6/49 launched on June 12, 1982, making it Canada's first national lottery game. Players pick 6 numbers from 1 to 49. Match all six to win the classic jackpot.
Draws run every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 PM Eastern Time. Tickets cost $3 per play, which includes one classic 6/49 line and automatic entry into the Gold Ball Draw.
The game is operated by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation and sold through provincial corporations (OLG in Ontario, BCLC in British Columbia, Loto-Québec, and others).
The bonus number is a seventh ball drawn after the six main numbers. It only applies to the second prize tier (match 5 + bonus), not the jackpot.
For an extra $1 you can add Encore, a separate seven-digit number draw with prizes up to $1 million. Encore is optional and independent of your 6/49 numbers.
The Gold Ball Draw replaced the guaranteed $1 million prize draw in September 2022. Every $3 ticket automatically includes one Gold Ball entry.
How it works:
When the White Ball prize reaches $68 million, a Black Ball draw may trigger where the entire pool goes to one winner or rolls to the next draw.
Gold Ball odds depend on how many balls are in the pool that draw, typically ranging from 1 in several hundred thousand to 1 in a few million.
| Category | Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 6 numbers | Variable (starts ~$5M) | 1 in 13,983,816 |
| 2nd | 5 + bonus | Variable (~$100K+) | 1 in 2,330,636 |
| 3rd | 5 numbers | Variable (~$1K+) | 1 in 55,492 |
| 4th | 4 numbers | Fixed $83-$109 | 1 in 1,033 |
| 5th | 3 numbers | Fixed $10 | 1 in 56.7 |
| 6th | 2 numbers + bonus | Fixed $5 | 1 in 81.2 |
| 7th | 2 numbers | Free play | 1 in 8.3 |
Overall odds of winning any classic prize: about 1 in 6.6 per $3 play.
| Game | Format | Jackpot odds |
|---|---|---|
| Lotto 6/49 | 6/49 | 1 in 13,983,816 |
| Lotto Max | 7/50 | 1 in 33,294,800 |
| Daily Grand | 5/49 + Grand Number | 1 in 13,348,188 |
Lotto 6/49 has the shortest classic jackpot odds among major Canadian draw games. Lotto Max offers larger jackpots (up to $80 million) but roughly 2.4 times longer odds.
Our tool generates six unique numbers from 1 to 49, matching a standard Lotto 6/49 line. Gold Ball numbers are assigned automatically when you buy a ticket and cannot be chosen.
Preset range: random number 1 to 49. For Singapore Toto players using the same number pool, see our TOTO generator.
Prizes up to $1,000: claim at authorized lottery retailers.
Prizes above $1,000: claim at provincial lottery corporation offices or by mail, depending on your province.
Deadline: typically one year from the draw date. Rules vary slightly by province.
Lottery winnings are not taxed in Canada for recreational players. Sign your ticket. Keep copies.
ConnexOntario (Ontario): 1-866-531-2600. Each province operates problem gambling helplines. Set limits through your provincial lottery account.
Q: What changed with the Gold Ball Draw?
Before September 2022, every 6/49 ticket included a guaranteed $1 million prize draw. Gold Ball replaced that with a growing prize pool that can reach $68 million.
Q: Can I play Lotto 6/49 online?
Yes, through provincial lottery websites (OLG.ca, BCLC, Loto-Québec, etc.). You must be 18+ (19+ in some provinces) and located in that province.
Q: Does our generator include Gold Ball numbers?
No. Gold Ball numbers are assigned automatically at purchase. Our tool covers the six main numbers only.
Q: Lotto 6/49 vs Lotto Max?
6/49 has better jackpot odds and costs $3. Lotto Max costs $5, has longer odds, but jackpots can reach $80 million. Many Canadians play both.
Disclaimer: Informational content only. Must be 18+ (19+ in BC, NB, NS, NL). Gamble responsibly. Rules follow provincial lottery regulations.
Last updated: June 2026