Checking lottery tickets is an important part of playing the lottery. When you buy a lottery ticket, you’ll want to check it as soon as possible after the drawing to see if you have a winning ticket. There are a few ways to check your lottery tickets in Alberta depending on which game you played.
Check Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max Tickets Online
If you purchased a Lotto 6/49 or Lotto Max ticket in Alberta, the easiest way to check to see if you have a winner is online at the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) website. You’ll need the ticket number from your ticket to check it online. Here are the steps:
- Go to wclc.com and click on “Check Your Ticket”
- Select “Lotto 6/49” or “Lotto Max” depending on which game you played
- Enter your 15-digit ticket number from your ticket
- Enter the 8-digit validation number under your ticket number
- Click “Submit” to see if you have a winning ticket
The WCLC website will let you know if you have a winning ticket and how much your prize is if you do. It’s the fastest way to find out if your 6/49 or Max ticket is a winner.
Use the WCLC Lottery App
In addition to the website, you can also download the WCLC Lotto Spot! app on your iOS or Android device. This app allows you to scan your 6/49 and Max barcodes to check for winners. Here’s how:
- Download and open the WCLC Lotto Spot! app
- Select “Scan Ticket”
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the barcode on your ticket
- The app will instantly verify if you have a winner!
This mobile app makes checking tickets super convenient when you’re on the go.
Check Tickets at Retailers
You can also check any lottery ticket by bringing it to an authorized lottery retailer in Alberta. The retailer can scan your ticket barcode to verify if you have a winner. They can also help you claim any prize amounts under $1,000.
Claim Prizes
If you have a winning 6/49 or Max ticket worth $1,000 or more, you’ll need to claim your prize at a WCLC prize payout office. There are offices located in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Edmonton. You’ll need to complete a prize claim form and provide photo ID.
Smaller prize amounts can be claimed at any lottery retailer. You’ll need your winning ticket and photo ID. Retailers can pay prizes under $1,000.
Checking and Claiming Other Alberta Lottery Tickets
Check Keno and Pick Game Tickets
For Keno, Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Extra tickets purchased in Alberta, you can check for winners in the same way – either online, with the app, by bringing them to a retailer, or at a WCLC prize office.
Just like 6/49 and Max, you’ll need the ticket number and validation number from your ticket to check it online or through the app. Keno results are generally available within 5 minutes of a draw. Pick game results are available after 10pm MT the same night of the draw.
Check Scratch’N Win and Pull Tab Tickets
To check if you have a winning Scratch’N Win or Pull Tab ticket from Alberta, you’ll need to scratch your ticket. Reveal the symbols and check them against the legend to see if you have a winning combination.
Scratchies and Pull Tab prizes up to $10,000 can be redeemed at any lottery retailer. Bring your winning ticket and ID. For prizes over $10,000, you’ll need to claim at a WCLC office.
Check Sport Select Tickets
For Sport Select games purchased in Alberta, you can check your ticket through the WCLC’s Sports Select website or app. Enter your 15-digit ticket number and 8-digit validation number to see if you picked the right teams.
Winning tickets can be redeemed at lottery retailers for prizes under $1,000. For larger prizes, visit a WCLC office.
Important Tips for Checking Tickets
Here are some important things to remember when checking your lottery tickets in Alberta:
- Check your tickets as soon as possible after the draw. Lottery offices only keep unclaimed winning tickets on file for one year after the draw date.
- Sign the back of your ticket and keep it somewhere secure. Lost or stolen tickets can still be claimed by anyone who has them.
- Double check your numbers. Make sure the ticket number you’re checking matches the number on your physical ticket.
- Check the draw date. Make sure you’re checking the right draw for the date on your ticket.
- Don’t throw away tickets until you check them – even if you think it’s not a winner.
- Claim your prizes promptly.Lottery offices process claims more efficiently when winners come forward quickly.
- Keep your receipt if you claim a prize at a retailer. All winning tickets and receipts are subject to validation.
Following these simple tips will ensure you don’t miss out on any potential prizes when playing Alberta lottery games!
Conclusion
Checking lottery tickets is easy in Alberta when you know the different ways to check based on which game you played. By using the WCLC website, mobile app, local retailers, or prize claim centers, you can quickly see if your ticket is a winner. Be sure to sign your tickets, check them right after the draw, and claim any prizes promptly. With the right information and preparation, you can streamline the lottery checking process and ensure you collect any prizes you might win! Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to check my lottery ticket?
You need the 15-digit ticket number and the 8-digit validation number that is printed on every lottery ticket. This ticket number lets you check and verify your ticket across different platforms.
Where can I check my winning lottery ticket?
You have several options to check lottery tickets in Alberta:
- Online at wclc.com
- Via the WCLC Lotto Spot! app
- At any authorized lottery retailer
- At a WCLC prize payout office
How do I claim a lottery prize?
Prizes under $1,000 can be claimed at any lottery retailer in Alberta. Bring your winning ticket and I.D.
For prizes over $1,000, you must visit a WCLC prize payout office in person to complete a claim. Offices are located in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Edmonton.
What is the best way to check Scratch’N Win or Pull Tab tickets?
To check Scratch’N Win, Pull Tab, or any other scratch tickets, you simply scratch to reveal symbols and check them against the legend to see if you have a winning combination. You don’t need to provide any ticket numbers for these tickets.
How long do I have to claim my winning lottery ticket?
In Alberta, lottery winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim their prize. Make sure to check tickets promptly and claim any winnings within this timeframe.
Checking Specific Alberta Lottery Games
Lotto 6/49
Lotto 6/49 is one of Canada’s most popular national lottery games. Here’s how to check your 6/49 ticket:
- Check online at wclc.com or via app
- Bring to a retailer to have them scan it
- Claim winnings under $1,000 at retailers
- Claim larger prizes at a WCLC office
Results are available shortly after the nightly draw at 10:30pm Eastern.
Lotto Max
Lotto Max is played across Canada with jackpots starting at $10 million. To check your ticket:
- Check online or via mobile app
- Have your ticket scanned at a retailer
- Claim smaller prizes at retailers
- Claim jackpots and larger prizes at WCLC offices
Draws are held every Friday night.
Daily Keno
Keno draw results are available shortly after each draw. To check if you won:
- Check online or with the WCLC app
- Have retailers scan your ticket
- Prizes under $1,000 can be redeemed at retailers
Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4
Check Pick Game tickets by:
- Going online or using the app after 10pm MT
- Having retailers scan tickets
- Claiming prizes under $1,000 at retailers
Important Resources for Checking Tickets
Here are some key resources Alberta lottery players should bookmark for checking tickets and results:
- Western Canada Lottery Corporation – Check various games online
- WCLC Prize Payout Offices – Claim larger prizes
- WCLC Lotto Spot! App – Mobile ticket checker
- Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis – Regulator of Alberta gaming
- Alberta Lottery Ticket Expiry Dates – Check deadlines for claiming prizes
Bookmarking these sites can help Alberta players find results, redeem winnings, and access lottery information.
How to Scan Lottery Tickets with Mobile Apps
Many lottery apps allow you to scan your tickets with your phone camera to instantly check for winners. Here are some tips for scanning tickets:
- Download the official lottery app, such as WCLC Lotto Spot!
- Open the app and select “Scan Ticket”
- Hold your phone camera directly over the entire barcode on your ticket
- Make sure you capture the entire barcode in the camera frame
- The app will automatically read and verify your ticket
- The results will show on screen – including any winning amount
Scanning with your phone camera makes checking tickets easy and convenient no matter where you purchased them.
Claiming Lottery Prizes
Claiming your lottery winnings is an important final step. Here are some tips for claiming prizes:
- Bring valid ID and your winning ticket to retailers for smaller prizes under $1,000
- Complete a lottery prize claim form at a WCLC office for larger prizes over $1,000
- Call or make an appointment at a prize office if claiming a jackpot prize
- Make copies of your winning ticket and your claim receipt
- Allow up to 2 weeks for mailed prize cheques to arrive if not claimed in person
- Set aside money to pay any taxes on winnings before spending
Following the claim process properly ensures you receive your full lottery winnings.
Unclaimed Lottery Prizes
According to ALC, over $16 million in lottery prizes went unclaimed in Alberta in 2021. Here are some reasons prizes can go unclaimed:
- Winning tickets are lost, damaged, or stolen
- Players don’t check tickets after the draw
- People don’t realize they have a winning ticket
- Winners miss the expiry date to claim
- Winning tickets are purchased by someone who doesn’t live in Alberta
Checking your tickets promptly can help avoid leaving jackpots on the table. ALC uses unclaimed funds to supplement bonus prize draws or special one-time draws.
Fun Facts About Alberta Lotteries
- ALC was established in 1976 to run provincial lottery games
- First lottery draw was held in Alberta on August 5, 1977
- Largest ever lottery prize in Alberta was $65 million to one winner in 2015
- Alberta lottery sales topped $1.5 billion in 2021
- Lottery revenue supports thousands of community groups, events, and programs
- Over 2 million people in Alberta play provincial lottery games
The Alberta lottery has delivered big jackpots and billions in entertainment over the last 45+ years!
Common Alberta Lottery Games
| Game | How to Play | When to Check |
| Lotto 6/49 | Pick 6 of 49 numbers | Nightly draws at 10:30pm ET |
| Lotto Max | Select 7 of 50 numbers | Draws every Friday |
| Daily Keno | Pick up to 10 of 70 numbers | New draws every 5 minutes |
| Pick 2 | Choose 2 digits from 0-9 | Nightly draws at 10pm MT |
Advantages of Online Lottery Checking
Checking lottery tickets online has many advantages:
- Fast and easy way to check from anywhere
- Results available as soon as the draw is done
- Avoid going to a retailer or claim center
- Ticket numbers are securely stored online
- Confirm winnings instantly instead of waiting
As long as you have your ticket details, checking online is the quickest method.
Tips for Responsible Lottery Play
Playing the lottery should be fun entertainment. Keep these tips in mind:
- Only spend what you can afford to lose
- Balance lottery play with other hobbies
- Set a budget for lottery tickets
- Never chase losses or borrow money to play
- Don’t think of playing as a way to make money
- Keep lottery play recreational and occasional
Checking your tickets is thrilling – just play responsibly and have fun!
The Future of Lottery Games
Some innovations that may change lottery games in the future include:
- More interactivity and engagement for online players
- Increased use of mobile apps and instant digital games
- Bigger linkages between internet gaming and lotteries
- Ability to build bundles and personalized games
- More lottery/casino hybrid games
Digital engagement will likely drive the evolution of lotteries. But the core appeal will remain – the chance to win big jackpots and dream!
