What is the legal age to buy lottery tickets in Ontario?

You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase lottery tickets in Ontario.

Can I buy lottery tickets online in Ontario?

Yes, you can. You can purchase tickets online at the OLG.ca website that allow you to participate in a host of lottery games. Games can also be accessed through the OLG app, which is available for both iPhone and Android device users.

How do you buy lottery tickets online in Ontario?

To buy lottery tickets online in Ontario, you can sign up for an account at OLG.ca. Once you have signed up, you can add funds to your account and choose a game to play.

Can lottery winners remain anonymous in Ontario?

That depends how much you win. If your prize is $1,000 or less, you will not have to give your name. But the identities of winners of prizes over that amount are published on the OLG website, and winners of huge jackpots should expect to be photographed. However, exemptions have been granted on a few occasions.

How late can you buy lottery tickets in Ontario?

It depends on the draw you are taking part in. In most instances, however, you can purchase a ticket until virtually the last minute. It is worth checking online to see if there are earlier deadlines that apply to any of the games at the Ontario Lottery.

How long do you have to claim lottery winnings in Ontario?

If you win a prize in most of the draw games, you have exactly a year to claim your money. Famously, a $70 million prize drawn in June 2022 went unclaimed for the whole 12 months. For instant games, the expiry date is printed on the back of your ticket.

What is the tax rate on lottery winnings in Ontario?

The good news is that the Canadian government does not view lottery winnings as taxable income. That’s right; if you win $1 million on an Ontario Lottery game, you get to keep every last dollar of it. This is in contrast to the situation in the USA, where the IRS treats gambling payouts as fair game.

Which Ontario lottery game has the best odds of winning?

Taking part in any lottery game is a matter of risk and reward. The more you are hoping to win, the smaller the chances that you actually will. If you simply want to win any prize, the best option is a game like Daily Keno, where you have a one in 13 chance of matching two numbers.

Where do you claim lottery winnings in Ontario?

You can claim lottery winnings under $1,000 in cash or by credit/debit (depending on retailer availability) at any OLG Lottery retailer. For prizes of $1,000 or more, you need to visit an OLG Prize Centre in person within one year of the draw date, bringing your winning ticket and valid ID.

What time can you buy lottery tickets in Ontario?

You can purchase lottery tickets, including online, until 10:30 PM EST on the day of the draw. This applies to most lottery games, including Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, Ontario 49, Lottario, Daily Keno, Pick 2, Pick 3 and Pick 4. Refer to the OLG website for the specific cut-off time of any particular game you're interested in.

Ontario Lottery: A Guide to Participating in ON Lottery Games in 2025

Q: How do I cash lottery tickets in Ontario?

If you win a prize of up to $1,000 on an Ontario province lottery game or a multi-province title, you can claim your prize in cash from any of the nearly 10,000 outlets that have a lottery terminal. If you win more than $1,000 you will have to submit your claim online.

Lottery Games Available in Ontario

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation provides an extensive selection of games for enthusiasts who enjoy playing online or in a physical location. Players can choose from multiple daily draw games and a variety of instant win scratchcard games.

Additionally, Ontarians can participate in inter-provincial games that feature substantial jackpot rewards. Let’s delve further into the specific Ontario Lottery games available.

Canada Draw Games

Ontario offers three primary draw games that are accessible to players across Canada. These games are managed by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation, which is shared among five regional lottery entities, including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. While the potential for winning a large prize exists, the odds are relatively low – while entertaining, playing the lottery is often more about spending than earning profits for most participants.

Game	Game Overview
Lotto Max	Since May 2019, Lotto Max draws have taken place every Tuesday and Friday, nearly a decade after the game was first introduced with weekly draws. For a stake of $5, players select a set of seven numbers and receive two additional lines of randomly generated numbers. The chance of hitting the jackpot by matching all seven numbers drawn stands at approximately one in 33.3 million.
Lotto 6/49	Lotto 6/49 has been a staple since June 1982, having been the first nationwide lottery that allowed players to select their own numbers instead of receiving them at random. Draws occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For just $3, you choose six numbers from 1 to 49, and if you succeed in matching all six – with odds near one in 14 million – you secure a fixed prize of $5 million. Additionally, there’s a Gold Ball Draw, starting at a minimum payout of $1 million that could increase up to a centerpiece prize of $68 million.
The Daily Grand	Despite its frequent reference to 'lotto', this game actually takes place only twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Thursdays. For a wager of $3, you select your five numbers, vying to match them along with the additional Grand Number. Successfully matching both five numbers and the Grand Number – with odds greater than one in 13 million – rewards you either with $1,000 daily for life or a single payment of $7 million. Matching all five numbers nets you $25,000 annually for life or a lump sum of $500,000.

Multi-Province Draw Games

The three games we've mentioned are the exclusive opportunities available for players from across Canada to engage together. Various other lottery games exist in different provinces, but they are all governed by their individual lottery and gaming corporations.

As a result, these provincial games generally feature lower prize pools compared to those offered in multi-province lotteries. Residents in Ontario, along with visitors, can take part in various online and in-person games available locally.

Game	Game Overview
Ontario 49	Ontario 49 serves as a provincial equivalent of the multi-province Lotto 6/49. Players once again select six numbers in hopes of matching them to those drawn twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Entry for this game is only $1, with a guaranteed jackpot of $2 million. You can enhance your winning chances by opting for a combination play ticket; however, costs will increase based on how many numbers you choose.
Ontario Lottario	This relatively new addition to the lottery landscape provides two draws every Saturday night – featuring the Main Draw and the Early Bird Draw. For $1, you receive two sets of six numbers chosen from 1 to 45. The likelihood of matching all six numbers is approximately one in over four million. However, if you match all four Early Bird numbers on one line of your ticket, you become eligible for a share of a $50,000 prize pool.
Daily Keno	As suggested by its name, this game is available daily with two draws occurring at 2 PM and 10:30 PM ET. You can place a wager of $1, $2, $5, or $10 and select ten numbers from a pool of 70. Your potential payout varies based on your wager. For instance, if you bet $1 and match two out of the 20 drawn numbers, you would receive a prize of $7. Conversely, correctly selecting all ten numbers with a $10 stake – an occurrence with odds exceeding one in 2.1 million – nets you the top prize of $2.5 million.
Lightning Lotto	One major appeal of Lightning Lotto is immediate feedback on your win status. The draw takes place at the start of each day before ticket sales commence. You pay $2 for three sets of five numbers picked from 1 to 49. The initial jackpot for matching all five numbers starts at $125,000 and progressively increases with every ticket sold until a winner is determined, at which point it resets to $125,000.
Poker Lotto	With Poker Lotto, a single $2 ticket provides two opportunities to win. Players can either purchase their ticket online or at any Ontario Lottery retailer, instantly discovering if they've won a prize of up to $5,000. That same ticket also enters you into a nightly draw for a $100,000 prize. Additionally, you have the option to add a $1 Poker Lotto add-on, which grants the chance to win further prizes, including a progressive jackpot.
Wheel of Fortune Lotto	This game also gives players multiple winning avenues. Every time you place a $2 bet, you receive an instant spin on a prize wheel, with the potential to win immediate rewards up to $10,000. Moreover, you receive six random words, allowing you to win up to $100,000 by matching the words drawn in the nightly event held at 10:30 PM ET.
Megadice Lotto	There are dual chances for winning with this game. Place a $2 wager, and you'll enter an instant game where seven dice roll – hitting seven ones nets you the top prize of $7,500. Your ticket additionally secures you an entry into a nightly draw at 10:30 PM ET. Match three or more numbers for a chance to win, with the highest payout reaching $100,000 for matching six numbers along with a bonus number. You can verify the latest Ontario Lottery results on the OLG.ca website.

What Lottery Game Reigns Supreme in Ontario?

The concept of the 'best' lottery game varies among players, as personal taste plays a crucial role in individual preferences. The vast variety of lottery options meets an array of interests, from the thrill associated with instant win games to the excitement of substantial progressive jackpots. Each game possesses its own distinctive appeal, winning odds, and prize potential, catering to different groups of players. Since the ticket prices are relatively low across all games, you can sample various options to find the one that resonates with you.

More:Best Mobile Casino Apps in Ontario

Instant Win Games

As demonstrated earlier, numerous Ontario Lottery games incorporate elements of instant wins alongside the chance to participate in draws with available prizes. For further details, explore the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s website at OLG.ca, where you'll find an extensive selection of over two dozen instant games.

These instant games come in various formats, and in most cases, the cost to play starts as low as $0.50. You can also experiment with different games without financial commitment by utilizing the demo mode, which allows you to play for free.

More:Best Mobile Sports Betting Apps for Ontario Residents

Ontario Lottery Scratch Tickets

In addition to the wide array of online lottery options, you can also enter games at nearly 10,000 retail outlets and physical locations. Retailers offer scratch cards starting at $1, and players can choose to invest more if desired.

Games such as Plinko, The Bigger Spin, and Bingo Multiplier are accessible throughout the province, giving immediate feedback on wins.

How to Collect Your Lottery Winnings in Ontario

If you win a prize through the Ontario online lottery or in-person, there are several methods of claiming your money. For prizes under $1,000, you can simply take your winning ticket to one of approximately 10,000 lottery retailers across the province. Remember to sign your ticket! Payment will be either in cash or transferred directly to your credit or debit card.

For winning tickets valued over $1,000, it's best to claim your winnings online. If you've won through an online game, your earnings will be credited directly to your OLG.ca account. In cases where your winnings exceed $50,000, an interview will be scheduled at the OLG prize center located in Toronto.

More:Newest Ontario Casinos in 2025

What Are the Costs of Lottery Tickets in Ontario?

The prices of lottery tickets in Ontario differ depending on the specific game you choose to play. Costs range from just $1 for Lottario to $5 for Lotto Max. For more comprehensive details about ticket pricing and how to get started with playing, refer to the table provided above.

Sports Picks Games

In addition to the draws and instant win games, you can also bet on various Sport Select offerings:

Pro-Line

Sport-themed games represent the most popular segment available through the Ontario online lottery. Players can place fixed-odds bets, though not on individual matches; bets must be structured as parlay bets with a minimum of three selections.

Pools

The Pools section of the Pro-Line platform allows you to choose various outcomes related to specific sports events. If you are among the bettors with the most accurate predictions, you can claim a portion of the prize pool.

Point Spread

Point spread wagers operate similarly to those found with conventional sports betting agencies. You must predict whether a team will win by exceeding the specified point difference.

Props

You can also place bets on various proposition bets, which are wagers NOT tied to the game's final result; these can involve predictions such as the first scorer or over/under statistics.

More:Highest Paying Casinos in Ontario

Responsible Lottery Playing

As is standard with responsible gaming authorities, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is deeply committed to ensuring that its players maintain control of their gambling activities at all times.

One of the valuable resources dedicated to responsible gambling is PlaySmart.ca, a comprehensive platform designed to offer guidance on maintaining enjoyment while playing. It also provides various tools to help you manage your gaming expenses and time, as well as assistance for those looking to self-exclude.

Additionally, the site provides connections to organizations specializing in gambling support. These agencies clarify the minimum age for lottery participation and offer recommendations on when to step back. Among them is ConnexOntario, which operates a toll-free helpline available 24/7, along with the Responsible Gambling Council.

What is PlaySmart?

PlaySmart.ca serves as a thorough educational platform focused on gambling that equips players with essential information, resources, and advice aimed at promoting thoughtful decision-making and ensuring a fun gaming experience.

The website positions itself as a 'gambling encyclopedia,' offering a wide array of resources that include practical playing tips, insights into game odds, and effective strategies.

The platform is equipped with a variety of tools that allow players to tailor their betting budgets and gaming time, reflect on their gaming patterns, or take a break if necessary. Moreover, should the fun of playing diminish, PlaySmart provides guidance for Responsible Gambling.

Ontario Lottery History

1975 – The Ontario Lottery Corporation (OLC) was created to oversee lottery activities.
April 1975 – The inaugural lottery game, Wintario , was introduced to the public.
May 1975 – The first draw for Wintario took place.
1976 – The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation was established to coordinate lottery operations across Canada.
1982 – The launch of Lotto 6/49 , which marked the introduction of Canada’s first inter-provincial lottery game.
2009 – The unveiling of Lotto Max introduced a new national lottery choice.
2015 – The website PlayOLG.ca was launched, enabling residents of Ontario to engage with lottery games online and through mobile devices.
2016 – The addition of Daily Grand brought another national lottery option for players.
2022 – The lottery's success played a significant role in Ontario's decision to legalize online casino gaming and sports betting .
Ongoing Impact – Roughly 5.7 million Ontarians (representing 38% of the adult population) regularly participate in lottery games.
Community Contributions – Operating as a non-profit entity, the Ontario Lottery generates over $1 billion annually to support various community projects throughout the province.

✔️ Experience one of the Premier Brands in Ontario Today: Casino Days Ontario

Fromdeereplanet.com

Ontario Lottery FAQ

In Ontario, you need to be at least 18 years old to buy lottery tickets.

Absolutely! You can buy tickets online at the OLG.ca website, which offers access to numerous lottery games. Additionally, the OLG app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, facilitates ticket purchases.

To purchase tickets online, you should create an account at OLG.ca. After signing up, you can load funds into your account and select a game to play.

If you win up to $1,000 from an Ontario lottery game or a multi-province game, you can claim your prize in cash from any of the nearly 10,000 retailers with a lottery terminal. For winnings greater than $1,000, you need to submit your claim through the online portal.

It varies based on the amount won. For prizes up to $1,000, your name isn’t required. However, the identities of winners for prizes exceeding that threshold are disclosed on the OLG website, and those who hit large jackpots should be prepared for media exposure. Nevertheless, there have been rare instances of confidentiality being granted.

The cut-off time to purchase tickets varies by draw. Generally, you can purchase tickets right up until the last moment. It’s wise to check online for any specific deadlines associated with different games at the Ontario Lottery.

For most draw games, you must claim your winnings within one year. A notable case involved a $70 million prize from June 2022 that remained unclaimed for an entire year. Instant game expiry details are printed on the back of your ticket.

Fortunately, the Canadian government does not consider lottery winnings as taxable income. This means if you win $1 million from an Ontario Lottery game, you keep every penny. This contrasts with the situation in the U.S., where gambling winnings can be taxed by the IRS.

Participating in any lottery game involves a degree of risk. Generally, higher potential winnings correlate with lower winning odds. If you aim for a smaller prize, games like Daily Keno, with a one in 13 chance for matching two numbers, may be your best bet.

Lottery earnings under $1,000 can be claimed as cash or credited back (depending on the retailer's facilities) at any OLG Lottery retailer. For amounts of $1,000 or more, you must visit an OLG Prize Centre in person within one year, bringing along your winning ticket and a valid form of ID.

You can buy lottery tickets, including through the internet, until 10:30 PM EST on the day of the draw. This rule applies to most games, such as Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and others. Check the OLG website for exact cut-off times for specific games you are interested in.

Author

Martin Booth

Martin has provided reviews of sports betting platforms and casinos from around the globe, covering top sportsbooks and online casinos available in Ontario.