<P> Lotto 6 / 49 is one of three national lottery games in Canada . Launched on June 12, 1982, Lotto 6 / 49 was the first nationwide Canadian lottery game to allow players to choose their own numbers . Previous national games, such as the Olympic Lottery, Loto Canada and Superloto used pre-printed numbers on tickets . Lotto 6 / 49 led to the gradual phase - out of that type of lottery game in Canada . </P> <P> Winning numbers are drawn by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation every Wednesday and Saturday, executed with a Smartplay Halogen II ball machine . </P> <P> As the name implies, six numbers are drawn from a set of 49 . If a ticket matches all six numbers, the jackpot prize of at least $5,000,000 is won . A bonus number is also drawn, and if a player's ticket matches five numbers and the bonus number, he or she wins the "second prize" which is usually between $100,000 and $500,000 . Should more than one player win the top or second prize, it is split amongst them . Lesser prizes are also awarded if one matches at least three numbers, or two numbers plus the bonus number . If the top prize is not won, the jackpot prize increases for the next draw . </P> <P> As many as ten separate "lines" (sets of numbers) can be printed on one individual ticket, but the maximum number allowed varies between jurisdictions . For example, in the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) area--Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut--no more than six lines are allowed . </P>

How many numbers do you need to win on lotto 649