A new way to play as a group now available from Loto-Québec

MONTREAL, Nov. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting today, consumers have a new way to play lotteries as a group: Formule groupe. Available at all Loto-Québec points of sale, Formule groupe gives players complete freedom. Thanks to this original formula, each member holds his personal group ticket. He may validate his ticket and claim his share of a prize from the retailer of his choice or at Loto-Québec offices, just as he would any other winning ticket. Formule groupe, therefore, provides real freedom... with all the advantages of playing as a group!

Formule groupe acts on the last of 35 recommendations KPMG made in 2007 and implemented by Loto-Québec in order to maximize sales operations and prize claim transparency. To our knowledge, the Formule groupe concept and its processes are a world first. For more information, consumers may go to lotoquebec.com/formulegroupe.

Advantages and characteristics of Formule groupe

1. Formule groupe may be used to play Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, Québec 49 and Double Jeu 49 (Lotto 6/49 and Québec 49).
2. Formule groupe may be played using Quick Picks or selections entered on the Formule groupe selection slip.
3. Instead of having a no-value ticket, each member of the group receives his personal group ticket that he may check himself.
4. Each member may claim his share of the prize at his convenience and in accordance with the usual terms.
5. Each member must purchase a minimum of one share of the group.
6. The cost of each share of a group is equal to the nominal value of one play in the selected game. For example, one Lotto 6/49 play costs $2, so one group share costs $2.
7. Extra may be added. The number of Extra available will vary according to the number of shares in the group.
8. A group may consist of 2 to 20 shares.
9. The Replay option is available and may be used within 30 days of the draw in which the group participated.
10. Free tickets are automatically issued for the draw following the initial win. Each group member receives the ticket associated with the free play by validating his initial winning ticket.

Consumers may continue to form groups as they did before. However, they should note that as of today, the Group Purchase Agreement will no longer be available from Loto-Québec, either in hardcopy form or on the website, and terminals will no longer issue no-value group copies.

For further information:

Jean-Pierre Roy
Director, Media Relations
Loto-Québec
Telephone: [phone]