Last Updated On 8 April 2026, 10:17 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada’s most popular and favourite national lottery game, Lotto Max is about to undergo its biggest transformation in 17 years.
Lotto Max players across the country will experience sweeping changes starting this week as the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation rolls out a major overhaul to the beloved game.
The rollout starts after the Friday, April 10, 2026 draw, which marks the final drawing under the current format.
New format tickets will go on sale beginning April 11, and the first draw under the updated Lotto Max format is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
These changes represent the most significant update to Lotto Max since the game replaced Super 7 back in September 2009.
Players will notice several key differences when they purchase their next ticket, including a higher price point, more number selections per play, and an expanded number pool.
The updates are designed to create bigger jackpots, offer more ways to win, and keep the game fresh and competitive with international lottery offerings.
Here is everything Canadian lottery players need to know about the upcoming changes and how they will affect their chances of winning.
Table of Contents
First Price Increase Since 2009 Launch
For the first time in the history of Lotto Max, the ticket price is going up.
The cost of a single Lotto Max play will increase from $5 to $6, representing a 20 percent jump in price.
This marks the first price adjustment since the game launched on September 19, 2009.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, along with other provincial lottery corporations, has stated that the extra dollar will fund significantly larger prize pools and more ways to win.
While some players may feel reluctant about paying more, the lottery corporations are promising better value for that additional dollar.
The price increase is necessary to support the enhanced jackpot cap, the new MAXPLUS prize tier, and the fourth selection line being added to each play.
Players should note that add-on games like ENCORE, TAG, and EXTRA will remain at their current $1 price and can still be added to Lotto Max tickets.
Four Selections Per Play Instead of Three
One of the most player-friendly changes involves the number of selections included with each ticket purchase.
Currently, a $5 Lotto Max play provides three selections of seven numbers.
Under the new format, each $6 play will include four selections of seven numbers.
This means players are getting one additional line of numbers compared to the previous format.
The extra selection translates to more chances to win prizes across all tiers with every play.
Whether you choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, you will automatically receive four separate lines on your ticket.
This change is a key factor in improving the overall odds of winning any prize.
Number Range Expands from 1 to 50 to 1 to 52
Players will still select seven numbers for each line, but the pool of available numbers is expanding.
The current number range of 1 to 50 will increase to 1 to 52.
This seemingly small change adds two additional numbers to the mix, which has a mathematical impact on the odds.
The expanded number pool slightly decreases the odds of winning the jackpot on a single line.
However, the addition of a fourth selection line more than compensates for this change in terms of overall winning probability.
Players who use favourite numbers or special combinations should be aware that 51 and 52 are now valid selections.
Quick Pick systems will automatically adjust to include the new numbers in random selections.
Jackpot Cap Rises to Record-Breaking $90 Million
The maximum Lotto Max jackpot is getting a significant boost.
The current cap of $80 million will increase to an unprecedented $90 million.
This will create the largest potential lottery prize in Canadian history.
The higher cap means jackpots can grow even larger before triggering the MAXMILLIONS prize pool.
When a $90 million jackpot is eventually won, it will shatter all previous Canadian lottery records.
The increased cap is designed to generate more excitement and attract more players as jackpots climb.
Lottery officials expect the higher ceiling will lead to more frequent rollover draws and extended periods of jackpot growth.
| Feature | Current Rules | New Rules (April 14, 2026) |
| Maximum Jackpot | $80 Million | $90 Million |
| MAXMILLIONS Trigger | $50 Million and above | $50 Million and above |
| Prize Pool Potential | Up to $100 Million total | Up to $99 Million+ total |
New MAXPLUS Prizes Add $100,000 Winning Opportunities
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the game is the brand new MAXPLUS prize tier.
MAXPLUS introduces multiple $100,000 prizes with every single draw.
The number of MAXPLUS prizes available is directly tied to the size of the main jackpot.
For every $1 million in the jackpot, one additional $100,000 MAXPLUS prize will be drawn.
This creates a sliding scale of prizes that grows as the jackpot increases.
When the jackpot is at $10 million, there will be 10 additional $100,000 MAXPLUS prizes available.
When the jackpot reaches $50 million, there will be 50 additional $100,000 MAXPLUS prizes.
At the maximum $90 million jackpot, a staggering 90 separate $100,000 MAXPLUS prizes will be drawn.
These prizes are completely separate from the existing MAXMILLIONS prizes and represent an entirely new way to win.
How MAXPLUS Prize Scaling Works
| Jackpot Amount | Number of MAXPLUS $100,000 Prizes: | Total MAXPLUS Prize Pool |
| $10 Million | 10 Prizes | $1,000,000 |
| $20 Million | 20 Prizes | $2,000,000 |
| $30 Million | 30 Prizes | $3,000,000 |
| $50 Million | 50 Prizes | $5,000,000 |
| $70 Million | 70 Prizes | $7,000,000 |
| $90 Million | 90 Prizes | $9,000,000 |
To win a MAXPLUS prize, players must match all seven numbers in one of the MAXPLUS draws.
Following every Lotto Max draw for the main jackpot, seven additional numbers are drawn for each MAXPLUS prize.
Each MAXPLUS drawing is independent, meaning players have multiple shots at winning $100,000.
If multiple tickets match a MAXPLUS draw, the $100,000 prize is equally shared among all winning tickets.
Overall Odds of Winning Improve Significantly
Despite the expanded number pool, the overall odds of winning any prize are actually getting better.
Under the current rules, the odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 7.0 per play.
With the new format, those odds improve to approximately 1 in 5.8 per play.
This improvement is primarily driven by the fourth selection line included with each ticket.
Players will find themselves winning smaller prizes more frequently under the new system.
The addition of MAXPLUS prizes further increases the chances of taking home a meaningful win.
Lottery officials have emphasized that this combination of changes creates a more rewarding experience for regular players.
Complete Odds Comparison: Old Rules vs New Rules
| Prize Category | Current Odds (Per Play) | New Odds (Per Play) |
| Jackpot (7/7) | 1 in 33,294,800 | 1 in 33,446,140 |
| Second Prize (6/7 + Bonus) | Approximately 1 in 4.7 Million | Approximately 1 in 4.8 Million |
| Any Prize Overall | 1 in 7.0 | 1 in 5.8 |
| MAXPLUS $100,000 | Not Available | 1 in 33,446,140 per draw |
What Remains Unchanged
While many aspects of Lotto Max are changing, several core features will remain exactly the same.
Draws will continue to take place twice per week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The popular MAXMILLIONS feature stays in place and will continue to trigger when the main jackpot reaches $50 million or more.
Each MAXMILLIONS prize remains at $1 million, and multiple MAXMILLIONS can be drawn when the jackpot is large.
Regional add-on games like ENCORE in Ontario, TAG in British Columbia, and EXTRA in Atlantic Canada will continue to be available.
The price of these add-on games remains at $1 each.
Players can still choose their own numbers or use the Quick Pick option for random selections.
Free Play prizes won before the change will convert to new format tickets when redeemed after April 14.
| Feature | Status |
| Draw Days | Tuesday and Friday (Unchanged) |
| MILLIONS | Still triggers a $50 Million jackpot |
| MAXMILLIONS Prize Value | $1 Million each (Unchanged) |
| Add On Games (ENCORE, TAG, EXTRA) | $1 each (Unchanged) |
| Number Selection Method | Choose your own or Quick Pick (Unchanged) |
| Tax-Free Winnings | All prizes remain tax-free in Canada |
Why Lotto Max Is Making These Changes Now
The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation has cited several reasons for implementing these updates.
Player feedback surveys indicated a strong desire for bigger jackpots and more frequent smaller wins.
The changes help Lotto Max remain competitive with popular American lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Lottery revenue plays a vital role in funding community initiatives and infrastructure across Canadian provinces.
By increasing player engagement and ticket sales, the lottery can continue supporting important public programs.
The 17 year gap since the last major update meant the game was overdue for a refresh.
Provincial lottery corporations worked together to design changes that would appeal to both casual and regular players.
The goal is to balance the excitement of record-breaking jackpots with more opportunities for everyday wins.
Province-by-Province Rollout Details
The Lotto Max changes are being implemented nationwide by all five regional lottery corporations.
Ontario players can expect to see new format tickets at all OLG retail locations starting April 11.
British Columbia lottery players will find updated tickets through BCLC retailers and PlayNow.
Western Canadian players in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the territories will access new tickets through WCLC outlets.
Quebec residents can purchase new-format tickets from Loto Quebec retailers.
Atlantic Canada players in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland will find tickets at Atlantic Lottery locations.
All provinces will transition simultaneously to ensure fairness and consistency across the country.
Online lottery platforms in each province will automatically update to reflect the new ticket format and pricing.
What Players Should Know Before Buying
Players planning to purchase Lotto Max tickets this week should be aware of the transition timeline.
Tickets purchased before April 11 will be for draws under the old rules.
Tickets purchased on or after April 11 will be for draws under the new rules starting April 14.
Any Free Play prizes won before the transition will convert to new format tickets when redeemed after April 14.
Players using subscription services should check with their lottery corporation about automatic updates.
Those who play regular numbers should verify their combinations are still within the 1 to 52 range.
Budget-conscious players should factor in the $1 price increase when planning their lottery spending.
The extra selection line means better value per play despite the higher cost.
A Brief History of Lotto Max
Understanding the history of Lotto Max helps put these changes in perspective.
Lotto Max launched on September 19, 2009, replacing the previous Super 7 game.
The original game featured a jackpot cap of $50 million and draws on Fridays only.
In July 2015, the jackpot cap increased to $60 million.
The May 2019 update expanded the number field from 49 to 50 and raised the cap to $70 million.
That same update added Tuesday draws, doubling the weekly opportunities to play.
In September 2024, the cap increased again to $80 million.
The April 2026 changes represent the most comprehensive update in the game’s history.
Throughout all these changes, Lotto Max has remained Canada’s most popular national lottery game.
Evolution of Lotto Max Through the Years
| Year | Major Change | Jackpot Cap |
| September 2009 | Lotto Max launches, replaces Super 7 | $50 Million |
| July 2015 | First cap increase | $60 Million |
| May 2019 | Numbers expand to 50; Tuesday draws added | $70 Million |
| September 2024 | Cap increases again | $80 Million |
| April 2026 | Major overhaul with MAXPLUS, 4 selections, 52 numbers | $90 Million |
How Regular Players Will Be Affected
For players who purchase Lotto Max tickets regularly, these changes will have noticeable impacts.
Weekly lottery budgets may need adjustment to account for the 20 percent price increase.
However, the fourth selection line provides tangible added value that partially offsets the cost.
Regular players can expect to win small prizes more frequently due to improved overall odds.
The MAXPLUS prizes create new excitement even when jackpots are at lower levels.
Group play participants should recalculate their contribution amounts based on the new pricing.
Lottery pools that currently buy 10 plays for $50 will now receive 8 plays plus change for the same amount.
Alternatively, pools can increase contributions to $60 to maintain the same number of plays.
How New Lotto Max Compares to Other Major Lotteries
The updated Lotto Max will position the game more competitively against international lottery giants.
The $90 million cap approaches the starting jackpots of games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
However, Lotto Max prizes remain completely tax-free for Canadian residents, unlike American lottery winnings.
A $90 million Lotto Max jackpot provides equivalent purchasing power to a much larger American prize after taxes.
The twice weekly draw schedule matches the frequency of major American lottery games.
The MAXPLUS feature creates a prize structure similar to the multiplier options in other games.
Lotto Max continues to offer among the best overall odds of any major North American lottery.
| Lottery Game | Jackpot Cap/Starting Point | Ticket Price | Tax Status |
| Lotto Max (Canada) | $90 Million (New Cap) | $6 CAD | Tax-Free |
| Lotto 6/49 (Canada) | $68 Million (Starting) | $3 CAD | Tax-Free |
| Powerball (USA) | No Cap, $20M Starting | $2 USD | Taxable (Federal + State) |
| Mega Millions (USA) | No Cap, $20M Starting | $2 USD | Taxable (Federal + State) |
Responsible Play Reminders
With the excitement of bigger jackpots and new prizes, it is important to remember responsible gambling practices.
Lottery tickets should be purchased for entertainment purposes only.
Players should set a budget for lottery spending and stick to it regardless of jackpot size.
The odds of winning the jackpot remain extremely long at approximately 1 in 33 million per play.
Buying more tickets does not significantly improve your chances of winning the top prize.
Resources for problem gambling support are available through provincial lottery corporation websites.
Organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council offer free help for those who need it.
Remember that lottery games are meant to be fun, and chasing losses is never a good strategy.
What To Expect in the Coming Weeks
The first draw under the new format on April 14 is expected to generate significant attention.
Lottery retailers across Canada are preparing for increased foot traffic as players adjust to the changes.
Provincial lottery corporations will be monitoring player feedback closely after the rollout.
The first $90 million jackpot under the new rules could potentially occur within months if no winner is drawn.
Players should expect marketing campaigns highlighting the new features and improved odds.
Mobile lottery apps and subscription services will update automatically to reflect new ticket formats.
Customer service teams at all provincial corporations are prepared to answer questions about the changes.
The coming weeks will reveal how Canadian players respond to the most significant Lotto Max update in history.
Complete Summary of All Lotto Max Changes
| What Changed | Before | After April 14, 2026 |
| Ticket Price | $5 per play | $6 per play |
| Selections Per Play | 3 lines of 7 numbers | 4 lines of 7 numbers |
| Number Range | 1 to 50 | 1 to 52 |
| Jackpot Cap | $80 Million | $90 Million |
| MAXPLUS Prizes | Did not exist | Up to 90 prizes of $100,000 each |
| Overall Odds of Winning | 1 in 7.0 | 1 in 5.8 |
| Jackpot Odds Per Play | 1 in 33,294,800 | 1 in 33,446,140 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a Free Play won before April 11 after the new rules take effect?
Yes, Any Free Play prizes won under the old Lotto Max rules can still be redeemed after April 14. When you claim your Free Play at a retailer, you will receive a new format ticket with four selections and numbers from 1 to 52. The transition is seamless for players holding winning tickets from previous draws.
Will MAXPLUS prizes be available from the very first draw on April 14?
Yes, the MAXPLUS feature launches immediately with the April 14, 2026 draw. The number of $100,000 MAXPLUS prizes available will depend on the jackpot amount for that draw. Since the jackpot resets to $10 million after being won, there would be at least 10 MAXPLUS prizes available from day one, with more added as the jackpot grows.
What happens if I have a lottery subscription set up at the old price?
Players with existing lottery subscriptions should check with their provincial lottery corporation for specific transition details. In most cases, subscriptions will automatically adjust to the new $6 price point. Some services may reduce the number of plays per subscription period to match your existing payment amount, while others may request updated payment authorization.
Can multiple winners share a single MAXPLUS prize?
Yes, if more than one ticket matches all seven numbers in a MAXPLUS draw, the $100,000 prize is equally divided among all winning tickets. This is similar to how the main jackpot and MAXMILLIONS prizes are shared when multiple winners occur. The minimum prize remains $100,000 total, split among however many winners there are.
Will the regional add-on games like ENCORE be updated as well?
No, the regional add-on games operated by each provincial lottery corporation are not changing as part of this update. ENCORE in Ontario, TAG in British Columbia, EXTRA in Atlantic Canada, and similar games will continue at the $1 price point with their existing prize structures. These games remain independent options that can be added to your Lotto Max ticket.
Fact Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official announcements from the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Western Canada Lottery Corporation, Loto-Québec, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute gambling advice; please play responsibly and within your means.
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