BCLC expecting 20% increase in ticket sales for record Lotto 6/49 jackpot
Lotto 6/49 tickets are seen in this undated image. (BCLC/Twitter)
Someone in Canada will wake up $68 million richer on Thursday thanks to the first-ever maximum Lotto 6/49 gold ball jackpot.
The B.C. Lottery Corporation says it's expecting ticket sales to increase by approximately 20 per cent compared to the levels seen for other major jackpots – defined as those that reach $50 million or more – this year.
Unlike other lottery games, the gold ball draw has a guaranteed winner every time. Thirty balls – 29 white and one gold – are placed in the draw. If the gold ball is selected, one ticket sold for that day's lottery wins $10 million. If a white ball is selected, the winner is awarded $1 million, and the gold ball jackpot increases by $2 million for the next draw, which proceeds with 28 white balls and one gold.
Wednesday's Lotto 6/49 draw marks the first time that all 29 white balls have been drawn before the gold ball, meaning the next draw is guaranteed to feature a maximum gold ball jackpot of $68 million.
While the odds of winning the traditional $5 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot by matching all six numbers are one in nearly 14 million, the odds of winning the gold ball jackpot depend on the total number of tickets sold across the country.
CTV News asked BCLC how many tickets it has sold in B.C. for Wednesday's draw so far, but the corporation said it does not keep real-time statistics. Even if it did, exact sales figures likely would not be released "due to business interests," a spokesperson said.
"Historically speaking, we do see significant increases in lottery ticket sales when we see jackpots grow to $50 million or higher," the spokesperson said in an email.
"We know British Columbians enjoy playing for significant lottery jackpots, and tonight’s $68-million gold ball jackpot is no exception."
BCLC is celebrating the record jackpot with another round of its "Feeling Golden" promotion. Starting at noon Wednesday, the corporation began giving away 6,800 free $3 Lotto 6/49 tickets to players who wear visibly gold clothing or accessories at participating BCLC mall lottery kiosks.
"Everyday jewelry doesn't apply here," a news release announcing the promotion notes.
More information on the promotion is available on the BCLC website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Economists say temporary tax cut, relief cheques play into rosier growth picture
The federal government's 'meaty' move to pause federal sales tax on a long list of items and send cheques to millions of Canadians this spring could factor into an improving outlook for growth in 2025, economists say.
NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile
NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war.
Britain forked out US$91 million for King Charles' coronation in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla held in May last year cost British taxpayers £72 million (US$91 million), an amount some have labeled excessive.
Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, to be U.S. attorney general just hours after his other choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration.
Decision expected today in trial for Convoy protester Pat King
A judge is expected to issue a decision this morning in the criminal case against one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa.
Bears find a buffet of battlefield rations at Alaska military base
Hungry bears broke into a storage room at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in this U.S. to feast on the military rations.
Sask. principal has sexual assault conviction overturned in light of 'butt-grabbing game'
A Saskatchewan principal convicted to six months behind bars for sexual assault has another chance to prove he’s the victim of a middle-school prank that escalated out of control.
Alliston, Ont., students invited to showcase goalie robot at world's largest tech trade show
A group of high school students from Alliston, Ont., have garnered international attention after being invited to showcase their work on a global stage.
More than 70K Murphy beds recalled across Canada, U.S. over tipping concerns
A popular series of Murphy beds that had been sold online is under a recall in Canada and the U.S. after several reported instances of the furniture detaching from walls.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Vancouver Island
-
Major crime investigators reviewing death of Victoria teen, which coroner reclassified as homicide
Vancouver Island’s major crime unit is investigating the case of a Victoria teenager whose death was initially ruled an accidental overdose, but has since been reclassified by coroners as a homicide.
-
'Emotional time' for B.C. poultry farmers who have to cull thousands of birds
Mark Siemens is a third-generation egg farmer in B.C.'s Fraser Valley and he recalls his grandfather sharing a story about fighting an unknown disease that raced through the farm decades ago, forcing him to cull the entire flock.
-
B.C. Conservatives roll out shadow cabinet and leadership roles for all 44 caucus members
All 44 members of the B.C. Conservative caucus have been appointed to leadership positions – whether as shadow cabinet members or Opposition house leader.
Kelowna
-
Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops
Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops.
-
Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior
British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year.
-
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
Edmonton
-
Woman accused in drowning of girl at Alberta lake had been under house arrest
A bail hearing has heard that a woman accused in the drowning death of a five-year-old girl in an Alberta lake didn't know the child and was supposed to be under house arrest.
-
Fleury helps Wild beat Oilers in his 1,000th career start
It certainly wasn’t the start Marc-Andre Fleury was expecting in what was otherwise a milestone night for the veteran Minnesota Wild goaltender.
-
Alberta pitches new rules for auto insurance, including rate hikes, no-fault claims
The Alberta government is making changes to auto insurance, including rate hikes and switching to a predominantly no-fault claims model.
Calgary
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Calgary police investigate suspicious death in Pine Creek
Calgary police are investigating after a body was found in the southwest community of Pine Creek.
-
4 injured, including 2 firefighters, in Calgary house explosion
The Calgary Fire Department responded to an explosion and fire at a six-plex in the city's southeast on Thursday afternoon.
-
'It was horrendous': Calgary family traumatized after vicious dog attack in northwest
A Calgary family is warning others and wants to see more accountability for pet owners after their dog was attacked and seriously injured in the northwest community of Royal Oak.
Lethbridge
-
Hurricanes kick off U.S. road trip with a loss, falling 4-0 to Silvertips
The Hurricanes launched a three-game road trip south of the border Wednesday dropping a 4-0 game to the league-best Everett Silvertips.
-
Lethbridge residents asked to show some love to downtown businesses during holidays
A new citywide campaign is hoping to encourage residents to shop, eat and explore local this holiday season.
-
Lethbridge career exploration day aims to get women more involved in agriculture
Agriculture is an industry mainly dominated by men, but around 80 middle school and high school students – all of whom are female – are hoping to change that.
Winnipeg
-
Human remains found in Manitoba community
Human remains have been discovered near a home in the RM of Rockwood, Man.
-
Sio Silica plans to try again with controversial project in Manitoba
Sio Silica is planning to try again with a controversial mining project in the same spot using the same method that the province rejected less than a year ago, but this time with more community engagement.
-
'We need new revenue': Winnipeg projecting operating shortfall by end of 2024
The City of Winnipeg is projecting an operating shortfall in 2024, and the plan to cover it off would completely drain the city's rainy day fund.
Regina
-
Accused of sexual assault, Regina chiropractor takes the stand as first defense witness
A Regina chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting seven different women took the stand Thursday as arguments began in his defense.
-
Contractor fatally injured while on the job at Regina's Evraz plant
Evraz North America says an investigation is underway after a contractor was fatally injured while on the job in Regina on Nov. 19.
-
'I'll always be a Pat': Regina Pats trade captain Tanner Howe to Calgary
The Regina Pats have announced a blockbuster trade Thursday that sees captain Tanner Howe on his way to Calgary to play for the Hitmen as the team continues rebuilding for the future.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. principal has sexual assault conviction overturned in light of 'butt-grabbing game'
A Saskatchewan principal convicted to six months behind bars for sexual assault has another chance to prove he’s the victim of a middle-school prank that escalated out of control.
-
Saskatoon's first female mayor sworn in
After being sworn in Wednesday night alongside a mix of new and returning city councillors, Cynthia Block becomes the first female mayor of Saskatoon.
-
Sask. tuxedo business closes stores across the province
A Saskatchewan tuxedo business says struggles with inflation and operating costs have caused it close stores across the province.
Toronto
-
'Not good for the economy': MPs call on federal government to regulate resale concert tickets
Ticket fraud and sky-high prices for Taylor Swift concerts have some politicians calling for changes to the way tickets are sold in Canada.
-
Toronto Santa Claus Parade organizers 'optimistic' after funding comes in for 2025 event
The organizers of Toronto’s Original Santa Claus Parade are hopeful that the Jolly Old Elf will be coming to town for years to come.
-
Lotto Max jackpot hits $75 million
For the second time ever, the Lotto Max jackpot has reached $75 million.
Montreal
-
Thieves steal $10K worth of meat destined for Montreal South Shore food baskets
Staff at a non-profit organization on Montreal’s South Shore that helps feed those in need during the holidays, was left upset and shaking their heads after hundreds of kilograms of meat was stolen.
-
Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson steps down one day after bankruptcy filing in U.S.
The CEO and co-founder of battery maker Northvolt, Peter Carlsson, is stepping down after being at the helm of the company since it was founded in 2016.
-
2 men arrested after man stabbed in Milton Park
A 46-year-old man is recovering in the hospital after he was stabbed in the Milton Park neighbourhood of Montreal on Thursday night.
Ottawa
-
Decision expected today in trial for Convoy protester Pat King
A judge is expected to issue a decision this morning in the criminal case against one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa.
-
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Nov.22-24
Santa Claus visits Kanata, Kingston and Arnprior, Christmas market season gets underway and the Vanier Cup is at Queen’s University. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend.
-
uOttawa to reconsider participation in U-Pass if city increases student fares, student union says
The student union at the University of Ottawa says it will consider pulling its participation from the U-Pass, which provides discounted transit fares for students, if the city goes forward with hiking student transit fees and violating the program’s contract.
Atlantic
-
Emergency alert issued for missing vulnerable man last seen in Sydney
An emergency alert has been issued in Nova Scotia as Cape Breton Regional Police search for a missing vulnerable man.
-
Wind, rainfall warnings in effect in Nova Scotia ahead of storm
A series of weather warnings are in place in parts of Nova Scotia Friday morning ahead of a weekend storm.
-
4 pets die in house fire in Kings County, N.S.
Four pets have died in a house fire in Nova Scotia’s Kings County.
Kitchener
-
Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT
Charges were laid after a crash between an LRT train and a Dodge vehicle shut down a busy Kitchener street for more than eight hours on Thursday.
-
FunGuyz says it's closing all 30 of its magic mushroom stores in Ontario
FunGuyz, which calls itself the biggest magic mushroom dispensary in Canada, says it's shutting down all 30 of its Ontario locations.
-
Fight between rival motorcycle gangs in Cambridge leads to five arrests, more than a dozen charges
A fight between rival outlaw motorcycle gangs has led to multiple arrests, more than a dozen charges and the seizure of 17 firearms.
Northern Ontario
-
Province cancels deal with Canadore College for North Bay addiction treatment centre
After years of delays, the province has pulled the plug on an addiction treatment centre in North Bay. A news release from Canadore College on Thursday confirmed the centre won’t be moving forward.
-
Economists say temporary tax cut, relief cheques play into rosier growth picture
The federal government's 'meaty' move to pause federal sales tax on a long list of items and send cheques to millions of Canadians this spring could factor into an improving outlook for growth in 2025, economists say.
-
Lotto Max jackpot hits $75 million
For the second time ever, the Lotto Max jackpot has reached $75 million.
N.L.
-
As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched
A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen.
-
Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy
An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy.
-
Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags
A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized.
