Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has been working on the most appropriate manner to navigate the constantly changing situation on a provincial level. As many local businesses commence their opening process, its Prize Center remains closed for lottery winners. However, the lucky individuals that have won a prize could still receive it, if it is below CA$50,000.
Ontario residents are being encouraged to explore the online gaming opportunities available online, as the Crown corporation has been working on enhancing its online gaming platform. PlayOLG.ca is able to meet players’ expectations and offer them a chance to purchase their lottery tickets for both draw-based and instant games. As a result, Lotto MAX and Lotto 6/49 have seen an increase in ticket sales.
Prizes of Up To CA$50k
The regular draws have managed to change the lives of many lottery enthusiasts over the past few months, but the unprecedented situation called for tighter measures when it comes to cash prizes payouts. Mid-March, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation decided to close its Prize Center at Yonge and Dundas streets in Toronto. Such a measure was needed in order to guarantee both players and staff members protection down the road.
With this move, the Crown corporation made it impossible for players to claim their prizes if they surpass the CA$50,000 mark. The bigger the prize, the more safety measures that come with it, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation wanted to make sure that in-person interviews with the winners come with every bigger prize cheque. Some changes have been introduced, as the lottery leader aims to stay flexible.
Following a collaboration with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, the limit for prize that could be sent via mail was increased to CA$49,999.90. Lottery enthusiasts eligible for a cash payout below this amount have the chance to claim their prize, authenticate the ticket and receive their payout in a safe manner without making their way to Toronto.
Some Changes
Up until this point, the limit for mail-in prize claim was set to CA$9,999.90 and only players eligible for a prize below this point had the right to receive their cash prize in the mail. The times have changed and social distancing is a practice that should be respected at all times, including lottery prize claims. This improved practice encourages more people to participate in the diverse lottery games available.
OLG spokesman Dita Kuhtey, recently pointed out that when it comes to prizes below the CA$999.90 mark, players have the chance to bag them at one of the lottery retail locations sprinkled across the province. They should take into account that the retailer in question might not have cash availability at that moment and this process might take some time.
Another measure aiming to protect all winners and give them an equal chance of receiving their prize relates to the claim period deadline. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation announced there will be a six-month extension for prize claim for tickets that are about to expire between March 17, 2020 and September 17, 2020.
