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Ontario 49

Ontario 49 is a provincial lottery game operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), available exclusively to adults within the province. The game features a fixed top prize of $2 million, awarded for matching all six numbers drawn from a pool of 1 to 49. Draws are held twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with tickets costing $1 per play. As one of OLG's core lottery offerings, Ontario 49 provides a straightforward game format where all prize amounts, except the jackpot, are determined by a parimutuel share system based on ticket sales and the number of winners.

Gameplay and Rules

To play Ontario 49, a participant selects six numbers from a field of 1 to 49 on a single play slip. Each standard play costs $1 and provides one set of numbers for the upcoming draw. Players can choose their numbers manually or opt for a Quick Pick, where the terminal randomly generates the selection. The game's primary objective is to match the six numbers drawn to win the jackpot, but there are multiple other prize tiers for matching fewer numbers. The official game conditions, set by the OLG, govern all aspects of play, including ticket validation, prize eligibility, and the rules for determining winners. These conditions are subject to change by the OLG at its discretion. The draw process uses a mechanical lottery draw machine to randomly select six winning numbers plus one bonus number from the same pool. The bonus number is used exclusively to determine the second prize category, which requires a match of five main numbers plus the bonus. A single set of numbers can only win a prize in one category, specifically the highest-value prize for which it qualifies. All tickets and plays are subject to the OLG's overarching Rules Respecting Lottery Games, which provide the legal framework for lottery operations in the province. Key stipulations from the game conditions include the following.

  • A ticket purchase constitutes a $1 play for one set of six numbers.
  • Winning numbers are six main numbers and one bonus number drawn from 1 to 49.
  • A single set of numbers can win only one prize, the highest for which it qualifies.
  • All prizes except the jackpot are determined by a parimutuel share calculation.
  • Prizes must be claimed within 1 year of the draw date.
  • Unclaimed prizes are directed to provincial government profits.
  • The OLG reserves the right to change game conditions without notice.
  • The official winning numbers are listed at OLG retailers and on the OLG website.
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Prize Structure and Payouts

Ontario 49 features a fixed jackpot of $2 million for matching all six main numbers drawn. The prize pool for all other categories operates on a parimutuel share system. This means the total money allocated to each prize category is divided equally among all winning tickets in that category. Consequently, the actual cash amount for prizes below the jackpot can vary significantly from draw to draw based on two factors: total ticket sales and the number of winners in each tier. Popular number combinations, such as sequences or dates, often see more play, which can lead to a higher number of winners and a lower individual prize share when those numbers are drawn. The prize categories are clearly defined by the number of matches. The second prize is awarded for matching five main numbers plus the bonus number. Subsequent prizes are for matching five, four, or three main numbers only. The prize for matching three numbers is fixed at $10. All prizes, including the jackpot, are paid out as a single lump-sum cash payment. Winners have 1 year from the date of the draw to claim their prize at an authorized OLG location or through the corporation's official channels. Unclaimed prizes from Ontario-only lottery games like Ontario 49 are directed into provincial government profits, which are used to benefit public services in Ontario.

Prize CategoryNumbers MatchedPrize Amount (Sample Draw)Number of Winners (Sample)
1st (Jackpot)6$2,000,000.000
2nd5 + Bonus$50,000.000
3rd5$500.0035
4th4$50.001,444
5th3$10.0019,801
Video: How to play Ontario 49 lottery step by step (Canada Tried and Tested, YouTube)

Draw Schedule and Recent Results

Ontario 49 draws are conducted twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday. The draws are held at a predetermined time, and the winning numbers are published shortly thereafter on the OLG's official website, through authorized lottery retailers, and on various results aggregation platforms. Each draw produces a set of six main numbers and one bonus number, all drawn from the same pool of 49. The bonus number is distinct and serves only to create the second prize tier. It does not act as a substitute for any of the six main numbers in other prize categories. Historical results are archived and made available for players to check past winning combinations and analyze number patterns, though each draw is an independent random event. The OLG emphasizes that the only authoritative sources for winning numbers are official OLG publications or in-store ticket checkers at retailers. A review of draws from late October 2026 provides concrete examples of the winning number sets. The sample draw from October 31, 2026, also listed specific prize tier results, showing 35 winners of the third prize for matching five numbers and 19,801 winners of the fifth prize for matching three numbers.

  • Saturday, October 31, 2026: Winning numbers 12, 31, 38, 41, 42, 47 with bonus 40.
  • Wednesday, October 28, 2026: Winning numbers 07, 08, 30, 32, 37, 43 with bonus 48.
  • Saturday, October 24, 2026: Winning numbers 04, 13, 28, 32, 44, 47 with bonus 15.
  • Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Winning numbers 08, 10, 13, 25, 39, 48 with bonus 14.
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026: Winning numbers 05, 13, 15, 28, 30, 34 with bonus 38.
  • Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Winning numbers 04, 05, 07, 11, 15, 22 with bonus 32.
Lottery tickets - Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, Lottario, Lottario Combo, Ontario 49, Hit or Miss, Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, Daily Grand, Point Sprea
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The Role of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is the provincial crown corporation responsible for conducting and managing Ontario 49 and all other lottery, casino, and sports betting games in Ontario. Established by the government in April 2000, the OLG's mandate includes generating revenue for the province while providing regulated gaming entertainment. The corporation sets the game conditions for Ontario 49, oversees the draw procedures, and ensures the integrity and fairness of the game. All operational aspects, from ticket sales to prize validation, fall under the OLG's purview. Revenue generated from OLG operations, including Ontario 49, contributes significantly to provincial coffers. Profits are transferred to the Government of Ontario to help fund vital public services such as healthcare, education, and community infrastructure. The OLG also promotes responsible gambling practices, reminding players that Ontario 49 is a game of chance intended for adults aged 19 and over. The corporation's portfolio includes several other popular games available to Ontarians, which provide additional entertainment options and revenue streams for the province. The OLG employs approximately 1,400 individuals and works with about 9,800 retailers operating more than 10,000 lottery terminals across Ontario.

  • Lotto 6/49: The national interprovincial lottery with variable jackpots.
  • LOTTO MAX: A national lottery game with large jackpots and Maxmillions prizes.
  • Daily Keno: A draw-based game with multiple daily draws.
  • ENCORE: An add-on game that can be played with other lottery tickets.
  • INSTANT Games: Scratch-and-win tickets available at retailers.
  • Sports Betting: Online and retail sports wagering offered through OLG.

Comparing Ontario 49 and Lotto 6/49

While both games involve selecting six numbers from 1 to 49, Ontario 49 and the national Lotto 6/49 are distinct lottery products with different structures and operators. Ontario 49 is an Ontario-exclusive game operated solely by the OLG, with tickets valid only within the province. In contrast, Lotto 6/49 is an interprovincial lottery game offered across Canada by a consortium of provincial lottery corporations, including the OLG. A key difference is the jackpot: Ontario 49 offers a fixed $2 million top prize for every draw, whereas Lotto 6/49 features a variable, often much larger, jackpot that grows through rollovers when there is no winner. The prize distribution mechanisms also differ. Ontario 49 uses a parimutuel system for all non-jackpot prizes, making payouts variable. Lotto 6/49 has a more complex prize structure that includes a guaranteed $1 million prize for matching five numbers plus the bonus, alongside its main jackpot. Winning tickets for Lotto 6/49 purchased in Ontario can only be redeemed within Ontario, similar to the provincial restriction on Ontario 49 prizes. Lotto 6/49 is one of nine draw-style lottery games operated by the OLG through retailers across the province.

OLG Prize Centre Toronto
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Claiming Prizes and Unclaimed Winnings

Winners of Ontario 49 have a strict 1-year deadline to claim their prize from the date of the relevant draw. Prizes can be claimed at any authorized OLG prize centre or through registered retailers, depending on the amount. Players must present the original, signed winning ticket for validation. The OLG has detailed procedures for prize payment, which is typically issued as a lump-sum cash amount. Prizes under $999.90 can be collected directly from a retailer. Prizes of $5,000 or more require the terminal to freeze and OLG to be contacted directly. For prizes of $10,000 or more, the process involves an interview and an investigator validating the ticket. According to OLG policy, the value of unclaimed prizes from Ontario-only lottery games, including Ontario 49, is directed to the provincial government as profit. These funds are not reallocated to future jackpots or prize pools but are instead added to the general revenue used to support government programs and services for the people of Ontario. The OLG publicizes all winners of $1,000 or more on their website.

Questions about Ontario 49

What are the Ontario 49 winning numbers?

The winning numbers for Ontario 49 are drawn every Wednesday and Saturday. They consist of six main numbers and one bonus number, all selected from a pool of 1 to 49. For example, the winning numbers for the draw on November 4, 2026, were 04, 05, 07, 11, 15, 22 with a bonus of 32. The most current and historical results are published on the official OLG website and can be verified at any authorized lottery retailer in Ontario using their in-store ticket checkers. The bonus number is used only to determine the second prize for matching five main numbers plus the bonus.

How much does an Ontario 49 ticket cost?

A single play for Ontario 49 costs $1. This $1 purchase provides one set of six numbers for the upcoming draw. Players can buy multiple plays on a single ticket, with the total cost being $1 multiplied by the number of plays. The ticket price is fixed and does not change, regardless of the jackpot size, which is always a guaranteed $2 million for matching all six numbers. Players can choose their numbers manually or use the Quick Pick option for a random selection.

What is the Ontario 49 jackpot?

The Ontario 49 jackpot is a fixed top prize of $2 million. This amount does not roll over or increase if there is no winner. It remains $2 million for every draw. To win the jackpot, a player must match all six main numbers drawn. The prize is paid as a lump-sum cash payment and is shared equally if there are multiple jackpot-winning tickets for the same draw. All other prize tiers use a parimutuel share system, making their payouts variable.

How do I claim an Ontario 49 prize?

Prizes must be claimed within 1 year of the draw date. Winners can claim prizes at authorized OLG retailers for smaller amounts or at OLG prize centres for larger sums. You must present the original, signed winning ticket for validation. For prizes of $5,000 or more, the terminal will freeze and OLG will contact the winner directly with instructions. The OLG's prize centre is located in Toronto. Prizes under $999.90 can be collected directly from a retailer, subject to cash availability.

What happens to unclaimed Ontario 49 prizes?

Unclaimed prizes from Ontario 49 are forfeited after the 1-year claim period. The value of these unclaimed prizes is directed to profits paid to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which are then transferred to the provincial government. These funds become part of the government's general revenue, used to support public services and programs in Ontario. The money is not added to future jackpots or prize pools. This policy applies to all Ontario-only lottery games operated by the OLG.

What is the difference between Ontario 49 and Lotto 6/49?

Ontario 49 is a provincial game with a fixed $2 million jackpot, available only in Ontario. Lotto 6/49 is a national game with a variable, often larger, jackpot that can roll over. Ontario 49 uses a parimutuel system for its non-jackpot prizes, while Lotto 6/49 has a different prize structure, including a guaranteed $1 million prize. Both are among the nine draw-style lottery games operated by the OLG in Ontario. Winning tickets for Lotto 6/49 purchased in Ontario must also be redeemed within the province.

Sources and further reading

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

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