WINNIPEG, May 19 /CNW/ - $49 million! That's the record-breaking estimate
of the LOTTO 6/49 Jackpot waiting to be won on Wednesday, May 20th!
Wednesday's actual Jackpot will be closing in on record territory. The
largest-ever lottery Jackpot won in Canada was estimated at $40 million, but
when the draw took place on October 26, 2005, the actual prize had grown to
$54.3 million! That jackpot was won by a group of 17 oil and gas workers in
central Alberta. The difference between the estimate and the actual prize
amount is due to overwhelming player response to a jackpot of this size. If
Wednesday's enormous Jackpot is not won, Saturday's LOTTO 6/49 Jackpot will
undoubtedly set a new record.
2009 is turning into a banner year for LOTTO 6/49. On January 24, 2009
the Jackpot was estimated at $43 million, which tied the previous record
estimate. When sales closed and the calculating was done - that January 24th
Jackpot was worth $44.5 million - and shared amongst three lucky tickets. The
February 21, 2009 Jackpot was estimated at a then-record $48 million and
resulted in $50.3 million shared amongst four lucky tickets.
The odds of winning the LOTTO 6/49 Jackpot on any one Selection is
approximately 1 in 14 million, but over the years, many players from the
Prairies and Territories have defied those odds. In total, there have been 291
Lotto 6/49 Jackpot winners from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the
Territories.
Tickets for this Wednesday's HUGE Jackpot can be purchased until 7:00
p.m. in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and 8:00 p.m. in Manitoba, on the day of the
draw. Because almost half of the game's sales traditionally occur on draw day,
players are encouraged to buy their tickets early. Winning numbers and prize
information - including whether the Jackpot was won - is expected to be
available on www.wclc.com later that evening. Because of the sheer volume of
sales for large jackpots, results occasionally take a bit longer than normal
to be confirmed.
For further information: Andrea Marantz, (204) 946-1397
