Lotto 6/49: Official Guide, Rules, Odds & How to Play
Canada's original national lottery — drawn Wednesday & Saturday since 1982
Draws Wed & Sat at 10:30 PM ET (Thu/Sun AEST) — results via Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) and SmartLotto
Lotto 6/49 is operated by Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) and uses a format of 6 from 49 main numbers plus a Bonus. First drawn in 1982, it offers 7 prize divisions with jackpot odds of 1 in 13.98M.
Choose Your Main Numbers
Select 6 numbers from 49. Use your favourite numbers, a Quick Pick for random selection, or SmartLotto's Cherry Pick Engine for a statistically informed choice.
Select Your Bonus
Pick your Bonus (Bonus from remaining). This is drawn from a separate pool and determines the highest prize divisions.
Choose Number of Lines
Play one or multiple lines per ticket. More lines mean more chances — each additional line is one more set of numbers for the same draw.
Purchase Your Ticket
Available from authorised retailers, official lottery websites, or via authorised lottery concierge services for international players including Australians.
Watch the Draw — Wed & Sat
Draws take place at 10:30 PM ET (Thu/Sun AEST). Results are published immediately online and via SmartLotto's results checker.
Claim Your Prize
Small prizes can be claimed at retailers. Larger prizes via the official lottery claims process. International players claim through their authorised concierge service.
The Bonus Number is drawn from the remaining balls (same 1-49 pool) after the 6 main numbers. It applies to Division 2 — players matching 5 main + Bonus win significantly more than 5 main numbers alone. Cannot match any of the 6 main numbers.
Lotto 6/49 has 7 prize divisions. Match more numbers to win higher prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 6.6.
| Division | Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Div 1 | Match 6 | Jackpot | 1 in 13,983,816 |
| Div 2 | Match 5 + Bonus | ~$100,000 | 1 in 2,330,636 |
| Div 3 | Match 5 | ~$2,500 | 1 in 55,492 |
| Div 4 | Match 4 + Bonus | ~$500 | 1 in 23,106 |
| Div 5 | Match 4 | $20 | 1 in 1,033 |
| Div 6 | Match 3 + Bonus | $10 | 1 in 812 |
| Div 7 | Match 3 | Free Play | 1 in 56.7 |
📊 Jackpot Scale
- Minimum starting jackpot: $5M
- Typical jackpot: $10-30M
- All-time record: $64M (Oct 2005)
- Operated by: Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC)
Randomly selected 6 numbers from 1-49. Used by most jackpot winners.
Choose 6 numbers. 40+ years of draws give SmartLotto extensive frequency data.
Every ticket gets a 10-digit code for the Gold Ball jackpot, growing $1M each week.
Up to 26 consecutive Wednesday and Saturday draws.
Ready to play Lotto 6/49 from Australia?
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View Latest ResultsLotto 6/49 is operated by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation. Australian participation is via authorised concierge operators. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858