The western lotto 649 is operated by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation; the WCLC is a non-profit organization and was founded in 1974. It oversees all the lottery and gaming activities of its member governments like Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It also oversees the gaming and lottery operations of other associate member governments like Nunavut, Northern Territories and the Yukon Territories. The WCLC works with several marketing organizations like the Alberta Gamin and Liquor Commission, Saskatchewan lotteries, Lotteries Yukon, Sport North Lottery Authority and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation. Along with the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation the WCLC offers the highest payout in Canada. Two most popular games offered are the western lotto 649 and Lotto Super 7.
The lotto 649 is the most basic form of lotto played in different parts of the world. In this game a set of numbers from 1 – 49 are chosen by the players and if all the numbers selected by the player matches the winning draw then the holder of the ticket is declared the winner of the jackpot. The size of the jackpot varies from time to time. If no single person has the winning combination the jackpot is carried over to the next week. Generally there are two draws every week Wednesday and Saturday. If more than one person has the winning numbers than the jackpot is shared, however, each jackpot winner is assured a sum of $3.5 million. Several small prizes are also awarded to players who match 3 numbers or 2 numbers plus the bonus number.
A single ticket of western lotto 649 is prized at $2 and an individual can play six lines per ticket, however the number of lines that can be played varies from territory to territory. The western lotto 649 is the best administered lottery in North America and is held in high esteem all over the world. All member governments also have their own add on games like Tag, Encore, and Extra. In this variation a six or seven digit is printed on the ticket and if the printed number is matched the holder of the ticket is eligible for an award of $100,000 and if all the seven digits are matched then the holder of the ticket is eligible for $1million, apart from a chance to win the mega jackpot.
Western lotto 649 has become a part of Canadian culture and has found mention in its literature and education. In fact, case studies of the games odds are taught in schools across Canada. Almost all Canadians have played the game at least once in their lifetime. The mainstream media like newspapers, television and radio also cover lottery events and jackpot winners become instant celebrities.
Western lotto 649 has made many ordinary Canadians millionaires overnight and has also contributed generously to the states kitty.