Mega Millions Canada: How to Play & Win from Canada

Quick Answer: Yes, Canadians can play Mega Millions. While the lottery doesn’t sell tickets directly in Canada, adults 19+ can legally buy Mega Millions online Canada through licensed platforms like XO Lotto. Jackpots regularly climb into the hundreds of millions — and have exceeded $1 billion multiple times — making it one of the world’s most valuable lottery prizes accessible to Canadian players.

The Mega Millions jackpot hit $1.58 billion USD in August 2023 — the largest lottery prize in history at the time. Canadians watched from the sidelines, wondering if they could get in on the action.

Turns out, they can. Mega Millions Canada access is simpler than most people think. And with draws happening twice weekly, your next chance is never more than a few days away.

This guide explains exactly how to play Mega Millions from Canada, what it costs, your actual odds of winning, and what happens tax-wise if you hit the jackpot. Ready to chase America’s biggest jackpots? Get your tickets now.

Can Canadians Play Mega Millions? (Yes — Here’s How)

Can Canadians play Mega Millions? Absolutely. There’s no law preventing Canadians from playing American lotteries.

Here’s the situation: This multi-state US lottery doesn’t operate retail locations in Canada. You can’t walk into a Canadian convenience store and buy a ticket. But you can purchase entries through licensed international lottery services that buy official tickets on your behalf in participating US states.

XO Lotto lets you play Mega Millions from Canada exactly this way. When you purchase an entry, the platform secures an official ticket from a US retailer. You own that ticket. If it wins, the prize is yours.

This isn’t a legal grey area. Non-US residents have won major American lottery prizes before. The official rules don’t require winners to be US citizens or residents — just that the ticket was purchased legally within a participating jurisdiction.

Key point: You must be 19+ (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec) to play Mega Millions from Canada through Canadian-facing platforms.

How the Mega Millions Lottery Works

Before you buy Mega Millions online Canada, understanding the game mechanics helps you make informed decisions.

The Basics

Draws happen twice weekly — Tuesday and Friday nights at 11:00 PM ET. Players select:

• 5 main numbers from 1 to 70
• 1 Mega Ball from 1 to 25

Match all six numbers and you win the jackpot. Match fewer numbers for smaller prizes across nine prize tiers.

Current Ticket Price

A standard ticket costs $2 USD (approximately $2.70-$2.80 CAD depending on exchange rates).

The optional Megaplier add-on costs an extra $1 USD and multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. Worth considering if you’re playing for secondary prizes.

Jackpot Structure

Jackpots start at $20 million USD and grow with each draw that produces no winner. The Mega Millions lottery has exceeded $1 billion multiple times, including:

• $1.602 billion (August 2023) — Single winner in Florida
• $1.537 billion (October 2018) — Single winner in South Carolina
• $1.348 billion (January 2023) — Winner in Maine

60-Second Millionaire Test

70% of lottery winners go broke within 5 years. Take this free quiz to discover your Millionaire Personality Type.

How to Buy Mega Millions Online Canada

For the complete history of massive wins, check out Mega Millions Winners: Biggest Jackpot Stories.

Want to buy Mega Millions online Canada? It takes about five minutes through XO Lotto. Here's how Canadians play Mega Millions:

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit XO Lotto's sign-up page and register with your email. Verify you're 19+ and complete the quick identity check to buy Mega Millions online Canada.

Step 2: Navigate to Mega Millions

Head to the Mega Millions page. You'll see the current jackpot amount, next draw time, and ticket options.

Step 3: Select Your Numbers

Choose your 5 main numbers (1-70) and 1 Mega Ball (1-25). You can:

• Pick manually — Select your own lucky numbers
• Quick Pick — Let the system randomly generate numbers
• Use saved numbers — Play Mega Millions from Canada with the same combination each draw

Step 4: Add Megaplier (Optional)

Decide whether to add the $1 USD Megaplier. It doesn't affect Mega Millions jackpot odds but can significantly boost secondary prizes.

Step 5: Complete Purchase

Fund your account via Interac e-Transfer (instant for most Canadian banks) and confirm your Mega Millions lottery ticket purchase. You'll receive confirmation with your numbers and the draw date.

Step 6: Check Results

After the draw, check Mega Millions results on XO Lotto. Mega Millions winners are notified automatically, and prizes credit to your account.

Mega Millions Odds and Prize Tiers

For Canadians who play Mega Millions from Canada, let's talk real numbers. The Mega Millions lottery jackpot odds are long — but so are all major lottery jackpots. Here's the complete breakdown:

Prize Tier Table

Overall Odds

Your chance of winning any prize is approximately 1 in 24. That's better than many people assume.

The jackpot odds (1 in 302.5 million) are steep, but someone wins eventually. The August 2023 jackpot took 31 consecutive draws without a winner before someone in Florida matched all six numbers.

How Odds Compare

he Mega Millions lottery has the longest jackpot odds among major lotteries — but also offers the largest potential prizes. Powerball has slightly better odds, while Canadian lotteries like Lotto Max offer much better odds with smaller (but still life-changing) jackpots.

What Happens If a Canadian Wins Mega Millions?

Can Canadians play Mega Millions and actually win? This is the question every player wonders about. Good news: you absolutely can claim prizes.

Claiming Your Prize

For tickets purchased through XO Lotto:

• Prizes under $600 USD — Credit automatically to your account. Withdraw via Interac e-Transfer.
• Prizes $600+ USD — XO Lotto coordinates the claim process. You may need to provide additional documentation.
• Jackpot wins — Major prizes require claiming directly from the lottery jurisdiction. XO Lotto assists with travel arrangements and legal coordination.

Tax Implications for Canadians

Here's where it gets interesting — and actually favourable for Canadians who play Mega Millions from Canada.

US Withholding: The IRS withholds 30% of lottery winnings paid to non-US residents. This is automatic and unavoidable on prizes claimed in the US.

Canadian Taxes: Canada doesn't tax lottery winnings. The CRA considers them "windfalls," not income. So that 30% US withholding is your only tax hit.

Comparison: American winners pay federal taxes (up to 37%) plus state taxes (0-13% depending on state). A Canadian winning a $100 million jackpot keeps roughly $70 million after the 30% US withholding. An American in a high-tax state might keep only $50-55 million.

The Canada-US Tax Treaty: This treaty prevents double taxation but doesn't eliminate the 30% US withholding on gambling winnings. Some tax professionals recommend consulting with cross-border specialists for jackpot-level prizes.

Mega Millions vs Powerball: Which Should Canadians Play?

Both American lotteries are available to Canadians through XO Lotto. Here's how they compare:

Verdict: Powerball has slightly better jackpot odds and holds the all-time record ($2.04 billion in November 2022). Mega Millions draws twice weekly vs Powerball's three times. Many Canadian players buy both for maximum chances.

Read our complete Powerball Canada guide for details on that lottery.

Why Canadians Choose XO Lotto for Mega Millions

Several platforms let you buy Mega Millions online Canada. Here's what makes XO Lotto the preferred choice:

Built for Canadian Players

• CAD pricing — See costs in your currency, no surprise conversions
• Interac deposits and withdrawals — The payment method you already use
• Canadian customer support — Real help during Canadian business hours

Legitimate Ticket Purchase

XO Lotto purchases actual tickets from authorized US retailers. You're not betting on outcomes or playing a simulation — you own a real ticket with real claim rights.

Fast Payouts

Request a withdrawal and receive your CAD via Interac e-Transfer within 24-48 hours. No waiting weeks for international wire transfers.

More Than Just Mega Millions

Your XO Lotto account accesses:

• Powerball — America's other billion-dollar lottery
• EuroMillions — Europe's biggest jackpots
• Lotto Max — Canada's top lottery
• Scratch cards — Instant win games
• Keno, Bingo, and more

One account, dozens of ways to play.

5 Tips for Playing Mega Millions from Canada

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

This is entertainment, not investment. Decide what you're comfortable spending monthly — $10, $20, $50 — and don't exceed it regardless of jackpot size.

2. Consider Subscription Play

XO Lotto offers subscription options so you never miss a draw. Set it and forget it — your numbers play automatically every Tuesday and Friday.

3. Join a Syndicate (Coming Soon)

Group play increases your chances by pooling tickets. You win smaller shares but win more often. XO Lotto is developing syndicate features for Canadian players.

4. Skip the Megaplier for Jackpot-Only Play

If you're strictly chasing the jackpot, the Megaplier adds cost without improving jackpot odds. It's valuable if you're targeting secondary prizes.

5. Play Both US Lotteries

Diversify your play. Buy Mega Millions online Canada on Tuesday and Powerball on Wednesday and Saturday. More draws mean more chances without increasing per-draw spending. Access both US lotteries here.

Ready to Play Mega Millions from Canada?

The next draw is just days away — and jackpots that start at $20 million can grow into the hundreds of millions or even billions. Canadian players have the same shot as anyone to win Mega Millions.

Play Mega Millions at XO Lotto →

Create your account in minutes, fund via Interac, and pick your numbers before the next draw closes. Good luck — Canada's next big winner could be you.

Frequently Asked Questionsked Questions

Related Guides

• Mega Millions Winners: Biggest Jackpot Stories
• Powerball Canada: Complete Guide
• Biggest Lottery Jackpots in Canadian History

Play responsibly. 19+ only. If gambling stops being fun, visit Responsible Gaming for support tools.