How secure are the WCLC’s Game System and Processes?
 

WCLC Game System procedures are carried out in strict accordance with established security standards to ensure the integrity of our system and processes.

  • Each draw has a “game break” or sales cut-off time, after which no further tickets can be sold for inclusion in that particular draw.  The game break is verified by WCLC Operations staff and confirmed by independent Auditors before the drawing of winning numbers is allowed to proceed.lock
  • Once sales for the current draw are closed at game break all tickets registered in the central Game System for that particular draw are copied to a file and that file is transferred to an Independent Control System which is a system separate from the Game System and is under the exclusive control of the Auditors.  As an additional control the Auditors receive a separate disc containing the ticket information that was loaded onto the Independent Control System.
  • Immediately after the draw has been completed, the numbers that were drawn are entered in both the Game System and Independent Control System in order to identify the winners in each prize category for that particular draw.  The results from both systems are then compared to ensure that the results are identical.  The Auditors verify that the results are identical.
  • Several layers of security are in place to monitor Game System activity at all times including during draw procedures.
  • Independent third-party auditors play a significant role during every draw and act as the public’s eyes and ears in the draw process.


How do the draws for national games like LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX and in the past, SUPER 7, work?
 

These national games are operated under stringent physical and procedural process to ensure the integrity and security of our draws.

  • LOTTO 6/49 and LOTTO MAX draws (and formerly SUPER 7) are conducted by Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) on behalf of the five lottery regions in Canada.
  • Approximately 40 minutes after game-break the draws commence.
  • LOTTO 6/49 draws and LOTTO MAX main draws are made using ball-draw machines.
  • The 49 balls are placed in numerical order in the ball rack of the draw machine.balldraw_machine
  • The balls are released into a drum, which is spun for a minimum of 10 seconds before a button is pressed to release the first ball.
  • For LOTTO 6/49 draws, seven balls (six main numbers and one Bonus number) are drawn.
  • Eight balls (seven main numbers and one Bonus number) are drawn for LOTTO MAX.
  • One by one, each ball drops into the trap at the bottom of the drum, and is released into a chute.
  • When MAXMILLIONS draws occur on LOTTO MAX, these draws use a computerized draws system housed at the ILC offices.
  • Strict controls and security measures are in place for every draw.
  • All draws are videotaped.
  • An external auditor, an external trust officer and a draws manager are present at each draw.
  • The external auditor witnesses the draw and officially records the winning numbers.
  • The trust officer is responsible for the security of the draw, which includes loading the balls into the draw machine.   
  • The draws manager ensures that all draw procedures are followed.
  • Draw machines are located in a secure location that is monitored by video surveillance 24 hours a day.
  • Draw balls are kept in locked cases with security seals.
  • The balls undergo monthly testing to ensure that each ball meets strict requirements.
  • If one ball does not meet these requirements, the entire set of balls is replaced.
  • Players can watch the most recent LOTTO 6/49 and LOTTO MAX draws at wclc.com.


How do the draws for regional games like WESTERN 649 work?
 

Draws for WCLC’s regional games – WESTERN 649, EXTRA, PICK 3 and PAYDAY - are done on stand-alone computerized draw machines, and stringent controls and security measures are in place for each regional game draw. 

  • Two computerized draw machines are available for each draw .
  • They are individually sealed and are located in a secure location that is monitored by video surveillance 24 hours a day.
  • An independent external auditor, who oversees the draw, selects which draw machine is to be used for any given draw.
  • Security personnel attend each draw, and all draws are videotaped using an automated time-date stamp.computer
  • The computerized draw machines were initially tested by two independent laboratories to ensure the randomness of their number selection.
  • Draw software was also tested independently and certified as accurate.
  • Independent testing of randomness and software occurs from time to time, and  when regional games are added or removed, or significant changes are made to existing games.

 

In the event of any discrepancy between this information and the
official information of WCLC, the latter shall prevail.