Operating lottery games in Québec sits inside a specific legal framework. This page sets out that framework, points to the regulations for each product, and explains what happens between a draw and a prize reaching an account.
1. Legal framework
The games offered on this site are operated by the Société des loteries du Québec (Loto-Québec), a state-owned corporation constituted under the Act respecting the Société des loteries du Québec (CQLR, c. S-13.1). That Act authorises the corporation to set up and operate lottery schemes, including by electronic means.
Games of chance also fall under the Canadian Criminal Code, which reserves their operation to provincial governments. That is why the online offering legally available in Québec is the one run by the state corporation.
2. Competent authorities
Gambling activity in Québec is overseen by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (opens in a new window) (RACJ), a body of the Government of Québec. The Régie issues licences, monitors compliance with the rules and deals with breaches.
No other body issues an authorisation for the online lottery offering that is lawfully available in Québec. An offering presented as authorised by some other authority does not fall under the framework described in section 1.
The references to the operator and to the applicable Act appear at the bottom of every page of the site.
3. Product regulations
Every lottery product has its own set of regulations, which state among other things:
- the draw matrix (how many numbers, from what range);
- the price per play and the entry options;
- the prize structure and how prizes are shared;
- the odds of winning, by prize category;
- the draw schedule and the betting cut-off time;
- claim deadlines and procedures.
The regulations that apply are those in force on the date of the draw concerned. They prevail over any shortened description published elsewhere on the site, including on catalogue pages.
4. How draws run
Betting closes at the time stated for each product, in Eastern time. A bet recorded after that time enters the following draw.
The draw is conducted under supervision, following the procedure set out in the product regulations. Entry data is frozen at the cut-off; no bet can be added, changed or removed after that point.
5. Validating results
A result is only official once validated. Validation compares the numbers drawn against the central system data and confirms how prizes fall across categories. It usually takes a few hours, and can take longer for a top-tier prize.
Numbers published on the site before validation are indicative. If they differ, the corporation’s official records prevail.
6. Claiming prizes
Eligible prizes are credited to the account after validation. A prize of $25,000 or more is claimed in person, with valid ID.
The claim period is one year from the draw date. After that the prize is no longer paid and the amount is handled under the product regulations.
Prizes are subject to the tax treatment provided by applicable law. For a particular situation, consult a tax adviser.
7. Cancelled or postponed draws
A draw may be postponed for technical or operational reasons. Bets already recorded stay valid and enter the postponed draw.
If a draw is cancelled and not held later, the corresponding bets are refunded to the account used to enter.
8. Integrity and random number generation
Products whose outcome is determined electronically — instant tickets in particular — rely on a random number generator subject to independent testing. Published return-to-player rates are an average across a whole ticket series, not the expected outcome of any single ticket.
The odds stated for a product do not shift from one play to the next: every draw is independent of the last.
9. Complaints and recourse
A dispute about a bet, a draw or a prize goes first to customer service, at 1-866-611-5686. The review relies on the records of the central system.
If the answer does not satisfy you, recourse remains available to the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (opens in a new window), and then before the courts of Québec.
A question about this page? Write to customer service or call 1-866-611-5686. Contact us.