The Lotto Max jackpot cap in Canada is increasing from $80 million to $90 million, effective April 14, 2026. This change comes alongside a price increase for a Lotto Max play, which will now cost $6, marking the first price adjustment in 17 years since the game’s inception in 2009.
Each $6 play will now include four selections of seven numbers, ranging from 1 to 52. Additionally, new $100,000 MAXPLUS prizes will be added to every draw, with the number of prizes linked to the jackpot amount. For instance, for the April 14 draw, players will have the chance to compete for a $25 million jackpot and 25 MAXPLUS prizes worth $100,000 each.
As the jackpot amount increases, the number of MAXPLUS prizes will also rise. At a $10 million jackpot, 10 additional $100,000 prizes will be drawn; at $20 million, 20 additional prizes will follow; and when the jackpot reaches $90 million, up to 90 additional $100,000 prizes will be available.
The overall odds of winning any Lotto Max prize will improve from approximately 1 in 7 to 1 in 5.8. However, the odds of winning the main jackpot will change slightly, from approximately 1 in 33,294,800 per play to 1 in 33,446,140 per play.
These changes aim to enhance player engagement and increase the excitement surrounding the Lotto Max game. The adjustments reflect a response to evolving player preferences and market dynamics in the lottery sector.
Since its launch in 2009, Lotto Max has undergone various changes to maintain its appeal and competitiveness. The latest updates are expected to attract more players, especially with the higher jackpot cap and the introduction of additional prizes.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will impact overall ticket sales and player participation in the long term. Observers are keen to see how the new structure will influence the lottery landscape in Canada.
