At a glance
Both games are operated by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation, sold Canada-wide, and pay out tax-free prizes. The key differences are in ticket price, odds, prize structure, and draw frequency.
| Dimension | Lotto Max | Lotto 6/49 |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | $5 | $3 |
| Plays per ticket | 3 sets of 7 numbers | 1 set of 6 numbers |
| Number pool | 1 to 50 | 1 to 49 |
| Draw nights | Tue & Fri | Wed & Sat |
| Top-prize odds | 1 in 33,294,800 | 1 in 13,983,816 (Classic) |
| Minimum jackpot | $10 million | $5 million (Classic) |
| Secondary top prize | MAXMILLIONS ($1M each) | Gold Ball ($1M–$68M) |
| Cap | $80M main + unlimited MAXMILLIONS | $68M Gold Ball |
| Overall odds of any prize | 1 in 7 | 1 in 6.6 |
Cost per entry
A Lotto Max $5 play gives you three seven-number sets. A Lotto 6/49 $3 play gives you one six-number set. That makes Max roughly $1.67 per play-set and 6/49 $3 per play-set.
Per dollar spent, Lotto Max gives you more entries, but each entry has worse jackpot odds (1 in 33.3M vs 1 in 13.98M). On pure jackpot probability per dollar, 6/49 is slightly more efficient: $3 buys you 1/13.98M, while $5 of Max buys you 3/33.3M = 1/11.1M. Edge to 6/49 by a narrow margin.
Prize-structure differences
Lotto Max has eight prize tiers with a parimutuel structure — top tiers share a % of the Pools Fund, while lower tiers are fixed ($20) or pay free plays. MAXMILLIONS are $1M each when the main jackpot exceeds $50M.
Lotto 6/49 has seven Classic tiers plus a separate Gold Ball Jackpot that runs in parallel. The Gold Ball grows by $1M each draw it isn't won and is not shared between tickets — one ticket holder wins the full amount.
- Lotto Max favors jackpot hunters — more rollovers, bigger advertised jackpots, MAXMILLIONS spillover.
- Lotto 6/49 favors frequent smaller wins — cheaper ticket, better per-play jackpot odds, Gold Ball gives a second top prize on every draw.
- 6/49's lowest-tier payout is a $5 fixed cash prize (2/6 + bonus); Max's is a free play for 3/7.
Which game is right for you?
There is no universally better choice — the right game depends on what you value.
| If you want… | Pick |
|---|---|
| The largest possible single win | Lotto Max (capped at $80M + MAXMILLIONS) |
| Best jackpot odds per dollar | Lotto 6/49 |
| More entries per ticket | Lotto Max (3 sets per $5) |
| Two chances at a top prize per draw | Lotto 6/49 (Classic + Gold Ball) |
| Cheaper casual play | Lotto 6/49 ($3) |
| The most advertised-jackpot excitement | Lotto Max |
| A win you don't have to share with other jackpot winners | Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball |
How often do they actually hit?
Over the last decade, Lotto Max has rolled to its $80M cap multiple times per year, with capped nights producing 50+ MAXMILLIONS draws each. Lotto 6/49's Gold Ball has been won at varying pool sizes since the 2022 structure change, with several wins near the $68M cap.
Practical takeaway: if you only buy when the jackpot is huge, Lotto Max offers more 'big jackpot weeks' per year. If you want a steady stream of mid-size wins, 6/49's structure (cheaper ticket, Gold Ball every draw) plays more consistently.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I play both Lotto Max and 6/49 on the same ticket?
- No — they are separate games with separate tickets. But you can buy both in the same transaction at any Canadian lottery retailer.
- Which game has better odds overall?
- Lotto 6/49 has better jackpot odds per dollar spent. Lotto Max has slightly better 'overall odds of winning any prize' (1 in 7 vs 1 in 6.6) — but that Max number includes free-play wins, not cash.
- Do both games offer the same add-ons?
- Yes. Regional add-ons (Extra, Encore, TAG) can be added to either Lotto Max or 6/49 tickets, depending on your province.
- Which is the oldest Canadian lottery?
- Lotto 6/49 is older — launched in 1982. Lotto Max launched in 2009 as a replacement for the older Lotto Super 7.
- Are both games played in all provinces?
- Yes. Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 are national games — available in every Canadian province and territory through the regional lottery operators.