Lotto 6/49 (Canada) Odds & Rules

Canada · Lottery Probability Lab
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Interactive Simulator

Lotto 6/49 is one of Canada’s longest-running national lotteries. This page covers Lotto 6/49 rules, per-tier odds, return-rate analysis, and an interactive probability simulator.

Probability Knowledge

How to Play

Each draw picks 6 of 49 numbers per $2 CAD ticket. Draws happen about twice a week. There are 5 prize tiers.

Prize Tiers & Winning Odds

Single-ticket odds for all 5 tiers (one standard play). Jackpot odds: 1 / 13,983,816.

TierMatchOdds (1 in)Prize
Jackpot6 of 61 / 13,983,816¥2,000,000
2nd Prize5 of 61 / 54,201¥1,000
3rd Prize4 of 61 / 1,032¥50
4th Prize3 of 61 / 57¥10
5th Prize2 of 61 / 8¥2

Long-run return rate ≈ 47% (including the average floating jackpot; a bigger jackpot raises it). Buying more covers more combinations, but per-bet expected value is unchanged.

Probability Analysis

A single ticket’s jackpot odds are 1 / 13,983,816. With one number group the tier structure is simple, yet the jackpot is still extremely rare.

Simulated History (Demonstration)

All draws here are locally simulated at random, not connected to any real lottery, and we provide no real draw history. The “history” below is model-generated demonstration data for education only.

The simulator above keeps a rolling “draw ledger” and “life records” — these are generated by the local model, not real draws.

Prediction Analysis

Prediction analysis: draws are independent, so no method reliably beats the odds. Treat play as fixed-cost fun and use the simulator to grasp the ≈47% long-run return.

FAQ

What are the Lotto 6/49 jackpot odds?
Single-ticket jackpot odds are 1 / 13,983,816 (C(49,6)).
What is the return rate?
≈47% under a fixed-prize model long-run.
Is the draw data here real?
No — all draws are local probability simulations for teaching.
Is it harder to win than SSQ?
6/49 jackpot is 1/13.98M vs SSQ 1/17.72M, so SSQ’s jackpot is slightly harder.
What are the Lotto 6/49 winning odds and how are they calculated?
Lotto 6/49 jackpot odds are 1 / 13,983,816 = C(49,6).
How do you play Lotto 6/49 — rules explained?
Each draw picks 6 of 49 numbers per $2 CAD ticket, across 5 prize tiers.
What are the Lotto 6/49 prizes?
The jackpot is a floating pool; the other tiers are $1,000 / $50 / $10 / $2.
What is the Lotto 6/49 long-run return rate?
≈47% under a fixed-prize model long-run.
How often is Lotto 6/49 drawn?
Lotto 6/49 typically draws about 2 times a week.
How do you pick Lotto 6/49 numbers?
Each play picks 6 of 49 numbers; every combination has equal odds.

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