The 649 lottery is one of the most popular lottery games in Canada. It is conducted by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation and is played by millions of Canadians each week. The 649 lottery offers some of the biggest jackpot prizes in the country, often rolling over into the multi-millions if there is no winner. But with odds of 1 in 13,983,816, winning the jackpot is incredibly difficult. However, there are strategies and tips you can use to increase your chances of winning smaller prizes, or even hitting the elusive jackpot. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about playing and winning the 649 lottery in Canada.
How the 649 Lottery Works
The 649 lottery is a national lottery game played across Canada, except in Quebec where it is called Lotto Max. Here is a quick overview of how it works:
- To play, you need to pick 6 numbers from 1 to 49.
- An additional bonus number is randomly drawn from 1 to 49.
- Draws are held twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Tickets cost $3 per play.
- The jackpot starts at $5 million and grows until there is a winner.
- Matching just the bonus number wins a free play.
- Other smaller prizes are won for matching 3, 4, 5 or 5 + bonus numbers.
It costs $3 per lottery ticket, where you choose 6 numbers between 1-49. An additional bonus number is also drawn, giving you a seventh chance to win. The jackpot prize is won by matching all 6 main numbers. Matching 5 numbers + the bonus number wins you $100,000 or more. Overall the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 6.6.
The Odds of Winning 649
As mentioned above, the overall odds of winning any prize in the 649 lottery are about 1 in 6.6. However, the chances of winning the jackpot are much slimmer at only 1 in 13,983,816. Here is a breakdown of the different prize divisions and odds:
| Prize Division | Match | Odds (1 in x) |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 6/6 | 13,983,816 |
| Second Prize | 5/6 + bonus | 2,330,636 |
| Third Prize | 5/6 | 55,492 |
| Fourth Prize | 4/6 | 1,032 |
| Fifth Prize | 3/6 | 57 |
| Sixth Prize | 2/6 | 81 |
| Bonus Prize | 0/6 + bonus | 21 |
As you can see, matching all 6 numbers correctly has worse odds than being struck by lightning. But landing smaller prizes is more achievable.
Steps to Increase Your Odds of Winning
While winning the jackpot requires an immense amount of luck, there are some strategies you can use to slightly improve your odds and chances of winning smaller prizes:
Buy multiple tickets
This is the simplest way to increase your chances. The more tickets you buy, the better your odds become. Just make sure you budget carefully and don’t spend more than you can afford on tickets.
Join or form a lottery pool or syndicate
By pooling money with other players to buy more tickets, you can improve your odds without breaking the bank. Lottery pools allow groups to buy large volumes of tickets and share prizes.
Avoid popular numbers
Many players opt for significant dates, patterns or consecutive numbers that tend to be overplayed. Choosing less commonly played numbers can reduce splitting potential prizes with other winners.
Use lottery wheeling systems
Lottery wheeling involves using mathematical formulas and probability analysis to choose number combinations in a strategic way that covers more possibilities. This can increase your prize winning odds.
Use lottery apps and analysis tools
There are various lottery apps and analysis tools that use statistics to identify trends and suggest numbers with better odds. Using these can help guide your number selection.
Stick with the same numbers
Consistency with your number choices each draw is important. Switching frequently reduces your chances of finally hitting the right combination.
Smart Strategies for Choosing 649 Numbers
Using some smart tactics when picking your 649 numbers can also improve your chances compared to just random number selection. Here are some strategies to consider:
Go for both high and low numbers
Try to pick a balanced mix of numbers across the whole 1-49 range. Avoid only choosing very low or high numbers. Spreading out your picks increases coverage.
Balance odd and even numbers
Similarly, choosing a mix of both odd and even numbers can improve your probability compared to all odd or all even number picks.
Analyze hot and cold number trends
Study statistics on which numbers have been drawn most often and least often recently to identify potential hot and cold numbers.
Consider significant dates
While very common, using birthdays, anniversaries or other meaningful dates across your 6 picks can help choose less random numbers.
Use quick picks
Letting the lottery terminal randomly generate some or all of your numbers provides complete randomness versus always trying to choose your own numbers.
Follow your intuition
There is no substitute for trusting your gut feel and personal lucky numbers that speak to you.
Buying Tickets and Checking Results
Playing the 649 is easy whether you want to buy tickets in person or online. Here is a quick guide:
In Person
– Find an authorized lottery retailer, which can be located using the lottery’s website or app. This includes convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and more.
– For each $3 play, fill out a 649 selection slip with 6 numbers from 1-49 plus an optional bonus number. Slips are available at retailers.
– You can also do a Quick Pick and have the lottery terminal randomly generate numbers for you.
– Present your playslip or ask for Quick Picks to the retailer cashier. Pay $3 per ticket.
Online
– Visit the lottery’s website and sign-up for an online lottery account.
– Log into your account and use the lottery interface to make your number selections. Quick Pick is also available.
– Choose how many tickets you want to purchase and complete the payment. Allow time for ticket processing.
– Your ticket and numbers will be viewable in your online account. You can also choose to have physical tickets mailed.
Checking Results
– Winning numbers are drawn live on Wednesdays and Saturdays around 11 pm Eastern Time.
– Results are posted shortly after on the lottery’s website and app. They are also often shown on local TV news and in newspapers.
– Match your numbers to the winning numbers to see if you won! Prizes can be claimed up to one year after the draw date.
Claiming 649 Prizes
If you are lucky enough to win a 649 prize, here is how to collect those winnings:
Smaller Prizes
For smaller $20 and $50 prizes, you can cash in your winning ticket at any authorized lottery retailer. Just present your ticket and collect your winnings.
Large Prizes
Larger prizes must be claimed at a designated lottery prize center. These are located throughout Canada. You must fill out a prize claim form and show valid ID.
– Prizes up to $9,999.99 are paid out immediately in cash at the prize center.
– Larger prizes over $10,000 are paid by cheque and mailed within 2 weeks after you claim.
Jackpot Prizes
Jackpot or MAXMILLIONS prizes over $1 million must be claimed at lottery headquarters in the province where the ticket was purchased. Additional paperwork is required proving your identity and SIN number.
– You also must decide on either a lump sum payment or annuity installments over many years. Financial advisors can help decide.
– The lottery will deduct tax before paying out jackpot amounts.
Is it Possible to Consistently Win Smaller 649 Prizes?
While winning the massive 649 jackpot involves a huge element of chance, it is possible to win smaller prizes more consistently. Here are some key tips that regular 649 players recommend to boost frequent smaller wins:
– Stick with the same set of numbers over a long period of time. This increases familiarity with “your” numbers versus constantly changing selections each draw.
– Analyze your selected numbers for gaps and ensure your picks achieve balanced coverage across the full 1-49 range. This avoids repeatedly missing out on certain number groups.
– Leverage lottery apps and websites to identify current hot, cold and overdue numbers and use trends to influence your picks. This provides an edge versus just random guessing.
– Join lottery pools so you have a shared stake in more number combinations and tickets than you could play alone. This expands the coverage.
– Reinvest a portion of any small wins back into tickets to compound your number coverage for the next draw.
– Use lottery wheeling systems and play multiple system entries covering all possible number combinations. This guarantees wins if your numbers are drawn.
Persistence, disciplined analysis of lottery statistics, and calculated reinvestment of winnings can help regular 649 players win smaller prizes more consistently over time.
Examples of Canadians Who Won the 649 Jackpot
While exceedingly rare, some Canadians have won 649 jackpot prizes over the years. Here are some real-life examples:
A Hamilton grandfather won $64 million in 2007.
The retired steelworker revealed his strategy was to play the 649 twice a week using family birth dates and ages as numbers. He planned to share his huge jackpot with his family.
A man from Edmonton won a $65 million jackpot in 2014.
He was completely shocked at his win after buying just a single quick pick ticket. The man announced his plans to pay off his mortgage and retire early.
A group of 8 office workers split a $60 million prize in 2019.
The lucky co-workers had a lottery pool at their Toronto office for years. Their syndicate strategy finally paid off in a big way when their numbers hit the jackpot.
A couple from Montreal won $55 million in 2021.
The husband and wife splurged on a family vacation after scoring the life-changing 649 prize. They also planned to share their windfall with children and grandchildren.
Biggest 649 Jackpot Wins
Here are the top 5 record jackpot amounts won in 649 lottery history:
| Winner’s Location | Year | Jackpot Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 2022 | $70 million |
| Quebec | 2020 | $65 million |
| British Columbia | 2013 | $63.6 million |
| Ontario | 2006 | $54.3 million |
| Alberta | 2005 | $54.2 million |
The biggest 649 jackpot awarded was a whopping $70 million to a ticket holder in Ontario in 2022. Surpassing $60 million is very rare. The average 649 jackpot is between $5-15 million.
Tips for Investing Lottery Winnings Wisely
Scoring a big 649 jackpot prize is life changing. But lottery winners can also face challenges, like mismanaging and squandering their newfound wealth. Here are tips to invest lottery winnings wisely:
Remain anonymous
If possible in your province, claim winnings anonymously using a lawyer to avoid public scrutiny of your big prize and protect your privacy.
Pay off debts
Paying off any high interest credit cards, loans or other money owed is usually the top priority. This provides a clean slate.
Save and invest a large portion
Saving and investing at least half the winnings will grow your wealth and provide lifelong stability if done smartly. Work with financial advisors.
Create trusts
Set up trusts to provide stable income for your family’s future while protecting assets from taxes or overspending. Trusts are complex, so get legal advice.
Make donations
If philanthropic giving is important to you, decide thoughtfully which charities to donate to and how much. Spread donations over time versus all at once.
Treat yourself modestly
It’s ok to spend a small fraction on something special like a dream car or vacation. But avoid going overboard so your long-term finances stay intact.
Seek tax advice
Large lottery winnings can come with massive tax bills. Connecting with a savvy tax lawyer and accountant experienced with windfalls can minimize taxes.
Downsides and Pitfalls to Avoid as a Lottery Winner
While winning the lottery may seem like a dream come true, there are some potential downsides and pitfalls to be aware of:
Family conflicts
Arguments over sharing winnings can divide close family members. Set clear boundaries and loans or gifts to family.
Being overwhelmed
An overnight fortune can be mentally and emotionally overwhelming. Seek counseling to manage significant life changes.
Fending off requests for money
A fortune can attract lots of new “friends” and causes asking for money. Learn to say no and stick to your financial plan.
Losing motivation
With unlimited resources, it may be tempting to quit your job and lose a sense of purpose. Keep working or find meaningful ways to spend time.
Overspending
Lavish houses, cars and gifts can tempt lottery winners to overspend and go through their winnings rapidly. Stick to a budget.
Increased scrutiny
Winners sometimes face increased solicitations and public scrutiny. Using anonymity when claiming prizes can help minimize this attention.
Taxes
Large lottery winnings are taxed heavily in Canada. Work with advisors to minimize taxes and keep more of your wealth.
FAQs
Is it worth playing the 649 lottery regularly?
Playing regularly does moderately improve your chances, but you are still extremely unlikely to win the jackpot. Playing for fun and entertainment has more value than solely to win money.
Can a 649 ticket win more than once?
No, each 649 ticket can only win once. The ticket becomes invalid after it is redeemed, so it cannot win again on future draws.
Where does 649 lottery revenue go?
649 lottery proceeds go back into funding government programs and services across Canada. This includes healthcare, education, infrastructure, community services and more. Around 24% goes towards retailer commissions and prizes.
Can I claim a 649 prize anonymously?
Prize winners can claim anonymously in some provinces, but you must still provide identification to the lottery corporation. For jackpots, taxes are deducted before payout. Only publicity efforts in announcing winners can be declined.
Are 649 lottery winnings taxable?
Yes, lottery winnings are considered taxable income under Canadian tax law. For jackpots, a large portion of tax is deducted automatically. Other prizes may still need to be reported as taxable income.
The Bottom Line
Winning the 649 jackpot requires an immense amount of luck. But using smart play strategies can modestly increase your odds of scoring smaller prizes. Sticking to the same numbers, joining lottery pools, tracking statistics, and reinvesting winnings are some ways regular players win more often. Landing a mega jackpot is life changing, so invest wisely if you beat the long odds. While winning the lottery is a dream, make sure to play responsibly and within your means.
