Winners

B.C. Lottery Players Win Big in 2023

December 20, 2023

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It’s been an exciting year for lottery players in British Columbia, with more than $859 million in total prizes paid out.

BCLC sold more than 101-million winning tickets to players both at retail locations and on PlayNow.com — the province’s only legal gambling website and the only whose profits go back to support healthcare, education and community programs right here in B.C. Sidney’s Scott Gurney purchased one of these tickets and scored a $55-million Lotto Max jackpot on February 28, 2023, which is the largest lottery prize won in British Columbia in 2023. 

“Surprise, delight, awe, joy, excitement – these are all words that our lottery winners have used to describe how they felt winning, so as 2023 comes to a close, we’re excited to look back and celebrate all of the life-changing dreams that became realties for our lottery winners,” said Pat Davis, BCLC President and CEO. “Thanks to our players, BCLC is proud to generate revenue for provincial services and initiatives that we all rely on like healthcare, education and community programs.” 

To learn more about how BCLC gambling revenue is distributed, visit https://corporate.bclc.com/community-benefits/where-the-money-goes.html

Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley lottery highlights:

  • $459.9 million in total prizes paid to players
  • 45.5 million winning tickets redeemed
  • 34 grand prize-winning tickets redeemed, valued at $500,000 or more

Northern B.C. region lottery highlights:

  • $59.5 million in total prizes paid to players 
  • 9.4 million winning tickets redeemed
  • 2 grand prize-winning tickets redeemed, valued at $500,000 or more

Thompson Okanagan region lottery highlights:

  • $144 million in total prizes paid to players 
  • 14.1 million winning tickets redeemed
  • 6 grand prize-winning tickets redeemed, valued at $500,000 or more

Kootenay region lottery highlights:

  • $24.4 million in total prizes paid to players 
  • 4 million winning tickets redeemed
  • 2 grand prize-winning tickets redeemed, valued at $500,000 or more

Vancouver Island lottery highlights:

  • $112.3 million in total prizes paid to players 
  • 17.8 million winning tickets redeemed
  • 13 grand prize-winning tickets redeemed, valued at $500,000 or more

In 2022/23, BCLC delivered a record $1.6 billion in net income to the Province of B.C., which distributed it in many ways to benefit British Columbians. Learn more about where the money goes by visiting https://corporate.bclc.com/community-benefits/where-the-money-goes.html 

BCLC is a social-purpose, gambling-entertainment company committed to delivering win-wins for the greater good.

Remember, play for fun, not to make money. For more information, visit GameSense.com