How to Claim Prizes
If you've won a prize in any Western Canada Lottery game, it's time for the most exciting part when you get your hands on your money. You need to claim your prize within one year of the draw date, regardless of how much you have won. Once the deadline has passed, your ticket is no longer valid.
Here's how to make sure you don't miss out on any prizes:
Check and Sign Tickets
Remember to keep your tickets safe before a draw, then check the winning numbers straight away. The results will be updated immediately on WesternCanadaLotteryLive.com, or you can use a Ticket Checker at your local lottery retailer.
To use a Checker, put your ticket's bar code under the red light when the machine is ready, then scan it slowly until you hear a beep. The screen will tell you whether you are a winner.
It's also important to sign any tickets you purchase. Firstly, if your entry gets lost it gives you a chance of being reunited with it if someone finds it. Secondly, it prevents anyone else from claiming the prize, as big winners have to present identification. Any discrepancy between what it says on the ticket and on the ID will be investigated. You should also put your address and telephone number on your ticket.
Prize Amount
The process for claiming prizes depends on how much you have won. Here's more information:
Up to $100 - You can claim prizes up to $100 directly from retailers, or mail in your winning ticket.
$100 to $1,000 - You may still be able to receive a prize within this range from a lottery retailer, although they do not have to pay out (for example if they have security concerns about having so much cash on site). They may ask you to visit another retailer or claim by mail.
More than $1,000 - Prizes of this value must either be claimed by mail or at a prize payout office.
Prize Payout Offices
The table below shows the locations of the five prize offices in Western Canada. You can also see the phone number and office hours for each one. You will need to make an appointment to claim your prize. The money will be paid at a later date after the win is validated.
| Province | Prize Office | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | St. Albert | 780-447-8616 | 8:30am - 3:30pm |
| Alberta | Calgary (prizes under $10,000 only) | 403-663-8301 | 8:30am - 3:30pm |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatoon (Saskatchewan residents only) | 306-975-0831 | 8:30am - 3:00pm |
| Saskatchewan | Regina (Saskatchewan residents only) | 306-780-9355 | 8:30am - 3:00pm |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
Mail-In Claims
You can claim prizes of any value by mail. It is a popular option as you don't have to travel to a prize payout office or even a retailer. However, you should remember that sending tickets by mail is not without risks. You will need to include a completed claim form, as well as your original ticket. If you are claiming a prize worth more than $1,000, you should call Player Care on 1-800-665-3313 beforehand because additional paperwork may be required. The address to send in winning tickets is shown below:
Western Canada Lottery Corporation
Prize Payout
Main Floor, 125 Garry Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J1
If you have played as a group, you will need to complete a Group Buying Agreement form, which confirms the names of each member and that you want the prize to be shared between you.
Claiming by mail is also the best option if you have played a Western Canada Lottery game whilst visiting the Prairies and Territories, and you actually live in a different part of the country.
Going Public
You are not allowed to remain anonymous if you win a major prize in Western Canada. Your name, city or town of residence and prize amount will be made public, along with a recent photograph. This is to prove that all the games are fair and winners are real.