B.C. lotto player wins $5 million after matching all six Classic Draw numbers
A British Columbia ticket holder matched all six Lotto 6/49 Classic Draw numbers to claim a $5-million prize. Other players won second- and third-tier prizes.
Copy link
By Torontoer Staff
A British Columbia lottery player who bought a ticket online has won $5 million after matching all six numbers in the Lotto 6/49 Classic Draw on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The Classic Draw numbers were 08, 15, 44, 45, 48 and 49, with the bonus 07.
The winning ticket was sold through PlayNow, and the prize was confirmed by lottery officials. The same draw produced other notable winners: a Surrey ticket buyer matched five numbers plus the bonus to take home $213,151.30, and 74 Canadians shared third-prize payouts of $1,209.50 each.
How the draw played out
The Gold Ball prize connected to the Lotto 6/49 draw was not won this time and has grown to $22 million ahead of the next draw on Saturday, Jan. 31. During Wednesday’s draw one player matched the White Ball number 57834735-03 to win a $1-million prize; that ticket was sold in Ontario. No one claimed the Classic Draw Extra, worth $500,000 in B.C., and the Ontario $1-million Encore prize remained unclaimed.
What to do if you think you hold the winning ticket
If you purchased a ticket for the Jan. 28 draw, check the numbers against your ticket immediately. If your ticket matches a prize, secure it by signing the back, making a copy, and storing it in a safe place. For online purchases, keep records of your PlayNow account and any confirmation emails.
- Sign the ticket on the back to establish ownership.
- Make a clear photocopy or photograph of the ticket and store it separately.
- Contact the relevant provincial lottery corporation to confirm the claim process and deadlines.
- Speak to a lawyer or financial adviser before claiming large sums to discuss options and tax implications.
Taxes, privacy and claiming the prize
Lottery winnings in Canada are generally not taxed as income. Winners should still consult a tax professional for personal advice, particularly if they plan to invest or gift large amounts. Rules about public disclosure and anonymity vary by province. Contact your provincial lottery corporation promptly to learn whether you can remain anonymous and what identification will be required to claim the prize.
Options and next steps for large-prize winners
Before collecting a multimillion-dollar prize, consider assembling a team that includes a lawyer, an accountant, and an independent financial planner. Decide whether to take a lump-sum payout if the game offers one or to receive instalments, and discuss estate planning to protect assets and beneficiaries. Be cautious about sharing personal information or making immediate large purchases or investments.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance.
PlayNow
Responsible gambling resources
If lottery play or gambling is causing concern for you or someone you know, provincial resources and national support services are available. Reach out to local problem gambling helplines, counselling services, or the resources listed by your provincial lottery corporation for confidential assistance.
Wednesday’s results produced one major Classic Draw winner in B.C., several mid-tier winners and an unclaimed Gold Ball jackpot that continues to climb. If you think you hold one of the tickets, follow the steps above and contact the lottery corporation to begin the claims process.
lotteryLotto-6/49B.C.PlayNowgamblingwinners
