BC/49

Gameplay and Prize Structure

BC/49 is a straightforward lottery where players choose six numbers from a field of one to forty nine. Tickets can be purchased for one dollar each, and players have the option to select their own numbers or use a Quick Pick generated randomly by the terminal. Draws are conducted twice per week, every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The winning numbers are drawn from the same pool, and a bonus number is also selected, which is used to determine some of the secondary prizes. The game's prize structure is fixed, meaning the prize amounts for each category do not fluctuate based on ticket sales or a prize pool. The top prize for matching all six numbers is two million dollars. The secondary prize categories reward players for matching five numbers plus the bonus, five numbers, four numbers, or three numbers. For example, matching five numbers typically awards seven hundred and fifty dollars, while matching four numbers pays seventy five dollars. The prize for matching three numbers is ten dollars. If there are more than six winning tickets in the 5/6+ category, each winning ticket shares an equal portion of a four hundred and fifty thousand dollar pool.

The odds of winning vary significantly between prize tiers. The overall odds of winning any prize in BC/49 are approximately one in six point six. The jackpot odds, for matching all six numbers, are one in thirteen million, nine hundred and eighty three thousand, eight hundred and sixteen. The odds improve for the lower prize categories, with odds of one in two million, three hundred and thirty thousand, six hundred and thirty six for matching five numbers plus the bonus. Matching five numbers carries odds of one in fifty five thousand, four hundred and ninety one, while matching four numbers has odds of one in one thousand, thirty two. The most common win, matching three numbers, has odds of one in fifty six point seven. This fixed structure provides transparency for players regarding potential payouts regardless of the number of participants in any given draw.

How to Play and Check Results

BC/49 tickets are available for purchase at licensed lottery retailers across British Columbia and online through the provincially operated PlayNow website. Players can choose their numbers manually on a play slip or opt for a Quick Pick. Each play is valid only for the upcoming draw, though players can purchase tickets for multiple consecutive draws in advance. Prizes under a certain threshold can typically be claimed at any lottery retailer, while larger prizes must be claimed directly through the BCLC. Results are published shortly after each draw on multiple platforms, including the official BCLC website and its PlayNow portal, where current and past winning numbers are listed.

Many third party lottery results websites also publish the numbers, though the BCLC advises players to verify against the official source. A typical results listing includes the six main numbers, the bonus number, and the draw number and date. For example, the draw on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, produced the winning numbers 8, 10, 31, 33, 38, and 40, with a bonus number of 45. The companion game BC Extra, which uses a separate number draw, resulted in the numbers 12, 49, 69, and 81 for that same date. Players can check their tickets by scanning them at a retailer, using the BCLC lottery app, or manually comparing numbers online.

• Purchase tickets at retailers or on PlayNow.com.
• Select 6 numbers from 1 to 49 or use Quick Pick.
• Draws are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. PST.
• Check results on BCLC's website, the PlayNow platform, or at retailers.
• Verify large prizes directly with BCLC.

The Operator: British Columbia Lottery Corporation

BC/49 is owned and operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, a provincial Crown corporation established to conduct and manage gambling in British Columbia. The BCLC oversees a wide range of gaming products, including casino games, bingo, and online sports betting, in addition to lottery games like Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and Daily Grand. All gaming revenue generated by the BCLC is returned to the province of British Columbia, funding healthcare, education, and community programs through the provincial government. The corporation operates under a mandate to provide responsible gambling entertainment while maximizing economic benefits for the province. The BCLC is also responsible for licensing and regulating gambling facilities and ensuring the integrity of all games. A core component of the BCLC's operations is its commitment to responsible gambling through its GameSense program.

GameSense is an educational initiative that focuses on informing players about how games work, the odds of winning and losing, and strategies for maintaining control. The program encourages players to set limits, such as weekly deposit amounts, and to view gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income. For players who need a break, the BCLC offers the Game Break self exclusion program. The corporation provides several support lines, including the GameSense advisory line at 1 877 706 6789 and the provincial Gambling Support BC Line at 1 888 795 6111. These resources are a key part of the BCLC's focus on player well being alongside its gaming operations.

Historical Context and the '49' in British Columbia

The number 49 holds a distinct historical significance for British Columbia beyond its use in the lottery game. It primarily references the 49th parallel north, a line of latitude that forms a major portion of the border between Canada and the United States from British Columbia to Manitoba. While the city of Vancouver lies just north of this parallel, the majority of Canada's population lives south of it, making it a symbolic northern border for many Canadians. The parallel is a defining geographical and political feature that shaped the province's development and its relationship with the United States. The number also resonates with the year 1871, when British Columbia became the sixth province to join Canadian Confederation on July 20.

The path to Confederation was complex, driven by economic stagnation, high public debt, and geopolitical pressures, including American interest in the region. Under Governor Anthony Musgrave, and with advocacy from figures like Amor de Cosmos, a delegation negotiated terms with the federal government in Ottawa. Key demands included responsible provincial government, economic aid, debt concessions, and a major transportation link, which evolved from a wagon road to the promise of a transcontinental railway. These terms were accepted, and British Columbia entered Confederation with three Senate seats and six seats in the House of Commons, forever linking its future to Canada. This historical context adds a layer of provincial identity to the BC/49 lottery game.

Indigenous Peoples and Modern British Columbia

The history of British Columbia is deeply intertwined with the Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the land for millennia. Today, there are close to two million Indigenous people in Canada, with more than two hundred distinct First Nations located in British Columbia alone. While many Indigenous people live in towns and cities across the province, their cultures, laws, and governments existed long before European contact. The colonial era, marked by the Indian Act of 1876 and the residential school system, inflicted significant trauma and sought to assimilate Indigenous communities. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996, but the intergenerational effects continue to impact families and communities. In recent decades, there has been a movement toward recognition and reconciliation.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 2008, began documenting the injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples. Internationally, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted in 2007, affirming rights to culture, self determination, and dignity. In November 2019, the British Columbia government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, committing to implement the UN declaration provincially. This legislative action signifies a shift toward respecting Indigenous rights and building a shared future, as Indigenous communities actively rebuild languages and cultural practices, inviting all British Columbians to participate in events like powwows. These ongoing efforts shape the social fabric of the province where BC/49 operates.

Recent Draw Results and Statistics

Reviewing recent draw results provides insight into the frequency and distribution of winning numbers in BC/49. For instance, the draw on Saturday, October 31, 2026, featured the numbers 1, 9, 16, 24, 43, and 47, with a bonus number of 33. That draw had no jackpot winner, but produced nine winners in the third prize tier for matching five numbers, each receiving seven hundred and fifty dollars. Another draw from Wednesday, October 21, 2026, saw the numbers 9, 13, 24, 26, 31, and 39 drawn, with a bonus of 5. Players often analyze such results for patterns, though each draw is an independent event with numbers drawn randomly. Statistical analysis of past draws, such as the last one hundred, can identify 'hot' and 'cold' numbers, or those drawn most and least frequently.

Some players incorporate this data into their number selection strategy, though the odds for any single number being drawn remain constant for every draw. The table below shows a sample of recent draw dates and their corresponding winning numbers, illustrating the game's ongoing activity. The companion BC Extra draw results are listed separately and are used for a different add on game. The draw on Saturday, August 29, 2026, for example, had the numbers 8, 23, 24, 26, 42, and 45 with a bonus of 35.

Responsible Gambling and Support Resources

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation emphasizes responsible gambling as a fundamental part of its operations. Its flagship GameSense program is designed to help players make informed choices by understanding game odds, setting personal limits, and recognizing gambling as a form of entertainment. Key advice includes setting a weekly deposit limit and sticking to it, which can be managed through account settings on the PlayNow platform. The program reinforces that gambling should be balanced with other activities and should not be used as a way to make money. GameSense Advisors are available to provide neutral, non judgmental information and can be reached by phone for support. For individuals who feel their gambling is becoming problematic, the BCLC and provincial authorities offer several dedicated support lines.

The Gambling Support BC Line is available at 1 888 795 6111. The BCLC also operates a self exclusion program called Game Break, which allows players to voluntarily take a break from all BCLC gaming platforms for a set period. This tool is intended to help individuals regain control. It is important for players to know that these resources are confidential and form part of a broader network of community support services aimed at promoting healthy gambling behaviours and providing help when needed. These measures are integrated into the player experience for BC/49 and all other BCLC games.

• GameSense promotes informed play and setting limits.
• Set weekly deposit limits via your PlayNow account settings.
• Game Break is a voluntary self exclusion program for taking a break.
• Contact a GameSense Advisor at 1 877 706 6789.
• The Gambling Support BC Line is 1 888 795 6111.

Questions about BC/49

What are the BC/49 winning numbers for today?

The winning numbers for the most recent BC/49 draw are published on the official British Columbia Lottery Corporation website and its PlayNow platform shortly after each draw, which occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. PST. For example, the draw on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, produced the winning numbers 8, 10, 31, 33, 38, and 40, with a bonus number of 45. Players can check current and past results on these official sites, at lottery retailers, or through the BCLC mobile app. It is recommended to always verify numbers against the primary source to ensure accuracy.

How do you play BC/49?

You choose six numbers from 1 to 49 on a play slip or request a Quick Pick for randomly generated numbers. Each play costs one dollar and is valid for the next scheduled draw. Draws are held twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday evening. You can purchase tickets at licensed lottery retailers across the province or online through the PlayNow website. After the draw, you check the winning numbers to see if you have matched enough numbers to win a prize in one of the game's fixed prize categories.

What is the jackpot for BC/49?

The top prize in BC/49 is a fixed amount of two million dollars for matching all six winning numbers. This jackpot amount does not roll over or increase based on ticket sales. It remains the same for every draw. If there is more than one jackpot winning ticket, the two million dollar prize is shared equally among the winners. The game also offers several secondary prizes for matching fewer numbers, such as seventy five thousand dollars for matching five numbers plus the bonus, and seven hundred and fifty dollars for matching five numbers.

What time is the BC/49 draw?

The BC/49 draw takes place twice weekly, every Wednesday and Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The results are typically available within minutes of the draw concluding on the British Columbia Lottery Corporation's official channels. Players can view the winning numbers on the BCLC website, the PlayNow portal, through the BCLC mobile application, or on displayed terminals at lottery retailers. The companion BC Extra draw, which is a separate add on game, occurs at the same time.

How can I claim a BC/49 prize?

Smaller prizes, typically those under a certain threshold, can be claimed at any licensed lottery retailer in British Columbia by presenting the winning ticket. Larger prizes must be claimed directly through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, either by mail or in person at a BCLC prize claim centre. Winners are advised to sign the back of their ticket immediately and follow the specific claim instructions provided by BCLC for their prize tier. All claims require valid government issued identification.

What is GameSense and how does it relate to BC/49?

GameSense is the responsible gambling program developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the operator of BC/49. It is an educational service designed to help players understand how lottery games work, including the odds of winning and the importance of setting limits. The program encourages players to use their 'GameSense' by balancing the entertainment aspect of gambling with the need to stay in control and within personal financial boundaries. For BC/49 players, this means learning about the game's odds, setting a budget before playing, and utilizing tools like deposit limits or the Game Break self exclusion program if needed. GameSense Advisors are available to provide information at 1 877 706 6789.

Sources and further reading

• BC/49 winning numbers (playnow.com)
• Canada BC 49 - Lottery Results & Statistics (stats247.com)
• BC/49 winning numbers (playnow.com)
• BC/49 winning numbers (playnow.com)
• 1871 - B.C. Joins Confederation (leg.bc.ca)
• About British Columbia, Canada, Choose B.C. (welcomebc.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-12.