Lotto Max - The jackpot of Friday, May 22, will offer a $50 million jackpot in addition to 33 Maxmillions,* the highest total in over a year!

MONTRÉAL, May 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - This Friday, Lotto Max will offer a $50 million jackpot in addition to 33 Maxmillions,* for prizes totalling $83 million. Such a large amount has not been in play since March 14, 2014, or 14 months ago.

"Traditionally, large jackpots have created tremendous excitement among Quebecers, giving occasional players and spontaneous groups of co-workers, friends and family members an opportunity to join in the fun," said Simon Patenaude, President of Lottery Operations.

That enthusiasm results in a significant increase in sales. For the May 15, 2015, draw when the jackpot was $50 million and 25 Maxmillions were offered, sales of $7.3 million were recorded in Québec. That represents an increase of 120% over the $3.3 million brought in by the March 27, 2015, draw offering a $12 million jackpot, when the jackpot began its rise to its current point. See the table below for details on weekly sales.

It's thanks to Lotto Max that Loto-Québec has been able to create the biggest winners in its history, particularly two $50 million jackpots won, respectively, on July 6, 2012, and May 31, 2013, by consumers in the Centre-du-Québec and Montréal regions.

To make this lottery even more attractive, we are planning a new prize structure that will see the jackpot rise from $50 to $55 and then to $60 million starting with the July 17, 2015, draw. Maxmillions will continue to be offered once the jackpot reaches $50 million and will also increase when the jackpot is not won. The cost of a play will remain at $5 for three selections.

Draw date	Jackpot value	Sales in Québec	Percentage of increase in sales (compared to the previous week)
March 27, 2015	12 million	$3,303,975
April 3, 2015	17 million	$3,530,440	7%
April 10, 2015	22 million	$3,710,030	5%
April 17, 2015	30 million	$4,389,805	18%
April 24, 2015	50 million + 2 Maxmillions	$5,844,335	33%
May 1, 2015	50 million + 7 Maxmillions	$6,058,340	4%
May 8, 2015	50 million + 15 Maxmillions	$6,260,540	3%
May 15, 2015	50 million + 25 Maxmillions	$7,277,740	16%

*Approximately

SOURCE Loto-Québec

Jean-Pierre Roy, Director of Communications and Press Relations, Loto-Québec, 514-499-5151