The 649 guaranteed prize draw is a lottery game offered by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation in Canada. It is one of the most popular national lottery games in the country and has produced some notable jackpot winners over the years. Let’s take a closer look at how the 649 guaranteed prize draw works and some of the key details surrounding this popular Canadian lottery.
Game Overview
The 649 guaranteed prize draw is a selection game where players pick six numbers from 1 to 49. There are two types of draws: the main draw with the jackpot prize, and the guaranteed prize draw.
For the main draw, six winning numbers are drawn from the 49 possibilities. Players match their selections to the winning numbers to win prizes. Matching all six winning numbers wins the jackpot, which starts at $5 million and grows until someone claims it. Lesser prizes are awarded for matching three, four, or five of the winning numbers.
In addition to the main jackpot draw, there is also a guaranteed prize draw. Every draw has at least one guaranteed prize winner of $1 million, even if no one wins the jackpot. For the guaranteed draw, a 10-digit number is randomly generated and assigned to qualifying entries. If the number matches the guaranteed prize draw number, the ticket holder wins $1 million.
How to Play
Playing the 649 lottery is straightforward. Players can purchase tickets in person at authorized retailers or via online lottery sites. Here is how it works:
- Select six numbers from 1 to 49, either by letting the lottery terminal randomly quick pick your selections or by manually choosing your own numbers.
- For an additional $1 per play, you can also select the Extra option to get an additional random seven-digit number.
- Pay $3 for a standard entry or $4 to play with the Extra for a chance to win the guaranteed prize.
- Watch the draws on the night of the drawing to see if your selections match the winning numbers.
Players can play for a single upcoming draw or purchase mult-draw packages that enter your numbers for consecutive draws. Tickets can be purchased until 9:30 pm CT on the night of the draw.
Draws and Prizes
The 649 draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday evening. The winning numbers are selected using ball draw machines and are broadcast across Canada. There are several prize divisions:
- Jackpot – Match all six main numbers to win or share the jackpot. The minimum guaranteed jackpot is $5 million and rolls over until won.
- Match 5+Bonus – Match five main numbers plus the bonus number to win $100,000.
- Match 5 – Match five of the six main numbers to win $1,000.
- Match 4 – Match four of the six numbers to win a prize of $75.
- Match 3 – Match three main numbers to win a free play for another draw.
In addition to the prizes for matching numbers in the main draw, there is also:
- Guaranteed $1 Million Prize – Match the guaranteed prize draw selection to win $1 million.
Draws and prizes may vary for special editions of the game.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning a 649 prize are as follows:
| Prize | Odds (1 in x) |
|---|---|
| Jackpot | 13,983,816 |
| Match 5+Bonus | 2,330,636 |
| Match 5 | 55,492 |
| Match 4 | 1,032 |
| Match 3 | 56.7 |
As we can see, matching all six numbers to win the jackpot is extremely difficult, with odds of nearly 14 million to one. Matching lesser amounts is more likely but still challenging. The best odds are those of winning a free play by matching three main numbers.
Buying Tickets
Those wanting to participate in the 649 lottery have several options for purchasing tickets:
- In Person – Tickets can be purchased in person at authorized retailers located across participating provinces. Find a retailer near you.
- Online – Most provinces allow online ticket purchases through authorized provincial gaming sites. Players register for an account, deposit funds, and then can buy lottery entries online.
- Lottery Apps – Third-party lottery applications like Jackpocket allow users to conveniently order lottery tickets via a mobile app.
- Subscriptions – Some provincial sites and apps allow you to set up subscriptions where lottery tickets are automatically purchased before each draw.
Purchasing online, through apps, or via subscription can be more convenient than buying in person. Players can also take advantage of features like special promotions and scan tickets to see results.
Who Can Play?
The 649 lottery is open to legal residents of Canada over the age of 18, with some variation by province. The lottery is currently available in the following participating regions:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island)
Players must be physically in one of the participating provinces at the time of ticket purchase. Tickets are not valid if purchased by players located outside the provinces, such as other countries and U.S. states.
Claiming Prizes
For prizes of $10,000 or less, winners can return to the place of purchase to validate their ticket and collect winnings. For larger prize amounts, winners must complete a claim process as follows:
- Sign the back of the ticket.
- Consult the provincial lottery office for how to proceed with redemption. Requirements vary but may include in-person claims, submitting claim forms online or by mail, or contacting the lottery office.
- Provide proof of ID and any other required documentation to verify eligibility.
- Collect your prize amount via check or direct deposit!
There are time limits on how long winners have to claim prizes, ranging from 30 days up to one year depending on the province and prize tier. Act fast once you realize you’ve won!
History and Notable Winners
The 649 lottery has been played across Canada for over three decades. Here are some key moments from the game’s history:
- Introduced in 1982 as “Lotto 6/49” with the first draw on June 12, 1982.
- Originally featured just the main jackpot draw until the guaranteed prize draw was added in 1991.
- Has created over 470 millionaires through jackpot wins over the years.
- Highest ever jackpot was $64 million, won by a group of 17 steelworkers in Ontario on October 26, 2005.
- The average 649 jackpot win is around $5.5 million.
- A record number of winners, 8, shared a $50 million jackpot on February 21, 2009.
Some of the more memorable 649 jackpot winners include:
- A retired mechanic from Manitoba who played the same numbers based on family birthdays to claim a $27 million jackpot in 2013.
- A group of 48 coworkers from Newfoundland who won $55.7 million in 2016, splitting the prize for over $1 million each.
- A couple from Saskatchewan who triumphed over 3-stage terminal cancer to win $60 million in 2017.
- A first-time lottery player from Quebec who scored $55 million in 2020 after buying his first ever ticket.
The 649 lottery has created millionaire sensations across Canada for over 30 years and counting!
Strategies and Tips
While the 649 game ultimately comes down to chance, some players employ strategies and tips in hopes of boosting their odds:
- Play Consistent Numbers – Sticking with the same chosen set of numbers every draw can improve your chances in the long run.
- Mix It Up – Use a combination of low, high, odd and even digits in your selections.
- Use Special Dates – Pick numbers based on birthdays, anniversaries, jersey numbers, etc. as they may be luckier.
- Check the Stats – Look up frequency charts to see which numbers get drawn the most and least.
- Buy Multiple Tickets – Increasing your number of entries boosts your probability of winning.
- Join a Pool – Combine money with others to afford more tickets and share in any prizes.
These approaches could help increase your payout potential. But at the end of the day, the numbered balls determine the winners randomly.
Scams and Lottery Fraud
Lottery scams are an unfortunate reality, from fake prize messages to dishonest ticket schemes. Here are some top lottery frauds to watch out for:
- Congrats You Won Messages – Fake emails, calls, or mail claiming you won a lottery you never entered. They seek personal information or payment to release “winnings.”
- Lottery Ticket Scams – Be wary purchasing second-hand tickets which may be stolen or already redeemed.
- Foreign Lottery Pitches – It’s illegal to play foreign lotteries by phone or online across international borders.
- Subscription Scams – Shady third-party vendors may offer auto lottery ticket services and then scam victims.
Protect yourself by never paying any fees upfront to receive winnings, thoroughly researching lottery courier services, ignoring unsolicited contacts claiming lottery wins, and only purchasing tickets from authorized retailers. Check with consumer protection groups if unsure whether a lottery opportunity is legitimate.
Responsible Play
The lottery can be a form of entertainment as long as it’s played responsibly. Experts recommend setting a budget for lottery spending and sticking to it, treating any losses as the cost of having fun. Seek help for gambling addiction if lottery losses begin impacting relationships, finances, work, or mental wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the 649 lottery:
What days are the 649 draws?
The 649 drawings take place every Wednesday and Saturday evening.
What is the average 649 jackpot amount?
The average 649 jackpot win is approximately $5.5 million when not counting larger rollover amounts.
Can you buy lottery tickets online?
Yes, most provinces allow online lottery ticket purchases through authorized provincial gaming websites and mobile apps.
Where does 649 lottery money go?
A portion of 649 revenue supports programs, charities, communities, retailers, and prize payouts in the participating provinces.
What is the Guaranteed Prize Draw?
The Guaranteed Prize Draw gives players an additional chance to match a separate number for a guaranteed $1 million prize, even if the jackpot is not won.
Conclusion
The beloved 649 lottery has provided fun and excitement alongside multimillion dollar dreams across Canada for over 30 years. Players in participating provinces can get in on the action by visiting authorized retailers or lottery websites to purchase tickets for the regular jackpot draws held every Wednesday and Saturday. Novices and regulars alike should be sure to keep lottery play lighthearted and always gamble responsibly. Though winning the jackpot may come down to a lucky break, the 649 guaranteed prize draw means someone is guaranteed to become a millionaire on every draw date. For your shot at millions in tax-free cash, be sure to get your 649 lottery tickets and check those numbers carefully after the balls drop! Good luck!