Press release

Montréal, January 12, 2016 – Beginning on February 1, all Loto-Québec draws will be performed electronically. Only the main draws of Canada-wide lotteries like Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max will continue to be performed using ball machines. This change to the draw procedure is part of a broader plan to optimize and modernize lottery sector processes, a plan that has been implemented by the Corporation over the past few years.

By choosing to perform its draws electronically ‒ electronic draws are already used for the lotteries Tout ou rien, Plinko®, Eldorado and Roue de fortune Éclair as well as for Lotto Max Maxmillions draws and Lotto 6/49 Guaranteed Prize draws ‒, Loto-Québec is following in the footsteps of several other Canadian and American lottery corporations. In addition to their increased security, electronic draws enable customers to obtain the results faster. This modification will save nearly a half-million dollars every year for the Corporation, particularly in terms of equipment maintenance.

A trustworthy and secure method

Electronic draws are based on the same principles as ball machine draws in that the procedures are equally secure and stringent, and that the results are completely random. To perform its electronic draws, Loto-Québec uses a computerized random number generator, tested and certified by two independent specialized firms: “This system is designed to produce numbers as randomly as a ball machine, and the results are verified by independent auditors using their own systems that are in no way connected to Loto-Québec’s system,” stated Simon Patenaude, President of Lottery Operations for the Corporation.

About Loto-Québec
Loto-Québec’s mission is to responsibly and efficiently manage games of chance in a controlled and measured fashion, in the interest of all Quebecers. Entertainment is at the heart of its activities. In 2015, Loto-Québec paid out 77 prizes worth $1 million or more.