## Lotto Max Evolution: What’s Changing and Why It Matters
For lottery enthusiasts across Canada, and especially in Quebec, things are about to get a little different. Lotto Max, the country’s most popular lottery game, is undergoing some significant transformations, including a price increase from $5 to $6 per ticket, starting this Saturday. This marks the first price adjustment since the game’s launch in 2009, according to Renaud Dugas, a spokesperson for Loto-Québec.
With only two draws remaining at the current price – Tuesday, April 7th and Friday, April 10th – players should be aware of the upcoming changes taking effect with the April 14th draw. These changes are being implemented nationwide.
### What’s New with Lotto Max?
Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:
* **Jackpot Boost:** The maximum Lotto Max jackpot is increasing from $80 million to a thrilling **$90 million**!
* **More Selections:** Each ticket will now include **four** sets of seven numbers, up from three, giving you more chances to win.
* **Expanded Number Pool:** The number pool is expanding from 1 to 50 to **1 to 52**, offering even more combinations.
* **Improved Odds:** While the odds of winning the grand prize remain at 1 in 33 million, the overall odds of winning *any* prize are improving from 1 in 7 to **1 in 5.8**.
* **Introducing Maxplus:** Inspired by the popular Maxmillions, Maxplus offers additional prizes of **$100,000** during each draw. The number of Maxplus prizes awarded will depend on the size of the jackpot. For example, a $10 million jackpot will have 10 Maxplus prizes, while a $90 million jackpot will have a whopping 90!
### A Look Back at Lotto Max History
The very first Lotto Max draw took place on September 25, 2009, replacing the previous Lotto Super 7. Loto-Québec and its provincial partners sought to create a lottery with a truly enticing jackpot, drawing inspiration from the Powerball in the United States. Initially, the top prize was capped at $50 million.
The current Lotto Max record for the largest jackpot was set on June 18, 2021, with a $70 million grand prize complemented by 70 Maxmillions, bringing the total potential winnings to a staggering $140 million.
Since May 14, 2019, Loto-Québec and its partners have utilized a random number generator for draws, marking the end of the traditional televised draw that many Quebecers fondly remember – the iconic ball machine and the number 6 with the little bar underneath.
### Lotto Max in Quebec: By the Numbers
Since its inception, Quebec players have collectively won over $4 billion in Lotto Max prizes. The $80 million jackpot has been won twice, with both halves of the prize being claimed in Quebec. In total, 50 grand prizes have been awarded in the province, including three worth $50 million. Furthermore, 254 Maxmillions, each worth $1 million, have been won across Quebec.
**Here’s a quick recap of the changes coming April 14th:**
* Ticket Price: $6 (previously $5)
* Maximum Jackpot: $90 million (previously $80 million)
* Maxplus Prizes: Up to 90 prizes of $100,000
* Number of Selections: 4 (previously 3)
* Number Range: 1 to 52 (previously 1 to 50)
Don’t miss out on the excitement! Get your Lotto Max tickets today and prepare for the new era of Canada’s favourite lottery.
[Learn more about Lotto Max on the official Loto-Québec website](https://www.loto-quebec.com/en/games/lotto-max)
