
Luck isn’t the only factor in winning the lottery. That’s why we’ve put together some easy tips to help you squeeze the most value out of every ticket!
Choose the Best Lottery Game
Choose Canadian lottery games with better odds to improve your chances of winning. Regional lotteries often offer better odds than national games. For example, Ontario 49 has the same jackpot odds as Lotto 6/49, but with fewer players, you’re less likely to share the prize.
Local lotteries may require you to buy tickets or collect winnings in person, but the increased odds make them worthwhile. Choosing less popular games with fewer participants further improves your chances. Avoiding a game that has recently awarded a large jackpot gives prizes time to grow again.
Select Your Numbers Thoughtfully
In Canadian national lotteries, choose numbers randomly, avoiding obvious sequences (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and dates (1-31) to reduce the risk of jackpot sharing. Popular combinations, if they win, divide the prize among multiple participants, reducing payouts. To maximize your winning potential, use a mix of even and odd numbers and choose less obvious combinations.
Purchase Multiple Lottery Tickets
Purchasing multiple lottery tickets can increase your chances of winning by increasing the number of entries you have in a draw. In Canada, many lottery organizations offer features to facilitate multiple entries. For instance, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) provides subscription services, that allow players to automatically enter drawings. Some lotteries offer group play or syndicate options for players to pool resources and purchase multiple tickets collectively, increasing the chances of winning and sharing the cost.
Take Advantage of Second Chance Lotteries
Many lottery organizations offer second chance draws where you get another opportunity to win with non-winning tickets. An example is The OLG's CASH FOR LIFE Second Chance Contest and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s 2Chance Contest.
To participate, players typically need to register online and submit non-winning ticket information. These second-chance draws have awarded big prizes, making them a good opportunity for players who missed out on the first try.
Hold Off until the Jackpot Increases
Lotteries start with a base jackpot that grows with each rollover, sometimes reaching very high amounts when there’s no winner for several weeks.
Though the ticket price and odds of winning are constant, you may want to buy a ticket when the jackpot is higher. That's because it can increase the value of your bet, giving you the possibility of a much larger reward.
Verify Your Lottery Ticket
Signing a ticket is very important as soon as you buy it in Canada to prove the ticket is yours if it's lost or disputed. Check and verify the ticket yourself using official tools like self-check stations and online results. The OLG/Lotto-Quebec apps, or other mobile options in your area can be more convenient.
Don’t hand your ticket to a store employee directly to avoid mistakes. If you win and must mail the ticket, remember to make a copy first and save it electronically to ensure your proof of ownership.
Richard Lustig suggested strategies like selecting personal numbers over quick picks. He encouraged consistent play, and reinvesting small winnings. He’s a seven-time lottery winner who earned C$1,050,000+ from his tickets.