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LIGHTNING LOTTO
LIGHTNING LOTTO
HOW TO PLAY
ODDS
STRATEGIES

ODDS

LIGHTNING LOTTO features only Quick Pick tickets with randomly selected numbers, and the odds always stay the same per play. There are 5 prizes to be won, with overall odds of 1 in 4.47.

What are the odds of a lottery win?

Two gumball machines; one slightly larger than the other. Inside each is one orange ball amongst blue ones.

The odds of winning in any draw-based lottery prize are based on two factors:

1. How many numbers must be matched to win
2. The size of the number pool

For example: The odds of winning the progressive LIGHTNING LOTTO jackpot are based on matching 5 numbers out of a number pool of 49 numbers. The more numbers there are to match, and the more numbers in the overall pool of numbers, the less likely the odds of winning.

How are LIGHTNING LOTTO winning numbers drawn?

Instead of using the traditional “ball draw” method, LIGHTNING LOTTO uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) software that generates random numbers using computer code. It’s a method that’s increasingly used for lotteries in Ontario and worldwide.

Every draw—regardless of the method— is overseen and audited by OLG and independent third-party experts to ensure its integrity.

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Why are there more winners from cities?

A road sign that reads, “Welcome to BIG CITY, population 2,653,456”.

This is simply because there are more people in big cities buying tickets. The more tickets sold in an area, the higher the chances that a winning ticket will be in that batch. That’s why the Greater Toronto Area will often yield more winners than more sparsely populated Northern Ontario. But there are winners in smaller towns too, because winning numbers are picked completely at random.

Can you increase your odds of winning?

When it comes to winning the lottery, it’s all about chance. There’s no system or skill that can improve the odds.

The odds are based on the total number of possible combinations of numbers– not the number of people playing, or how they play. They’re also unaffected by the jackpot amount.

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