One year. That is the deadline.

A prize expires one year after the date of the draw in which it was won. Once that time has passed it cannot be paid, whatever the reason for the delay, and nobody is obliged to remind you. The same applies to any free play you have won but not used.

The route depends on the amount

Prizes are validated and paid by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The amount bands below are indicative; the claim procedure published at the time you claim is the one that applies.

Tickets bought online

• Smaller prizes: credited automatically once the draw is validated, or otherwise paid by cheque or electronic transfer.
• Mid-range prizes: a separate validation step before payment, with the winner contacted directly.
• Large prizes: identity verification and a signed claim declaration before anything is paid.

Retail tickets

• Smaller prizes: claimed at a retailer for a quick payout.
• Mid-range prizes: claimed at a [prize payout location], by post or through an online claim form.
• Large prizes: claimed in person by appointment and paid by cheque.

For-life prizes

These are never credited automatically. They follow the for-life claim process below, by appointment, including your one-time choice between the annuity and the cash payout.

Step by step

This is the path for a for-life or other major prize.

• 1. Check the official result: compare your line with the winning numbers published after the draw. Results shown elsewhere are not official.
• 2. Secure the play record: leave your account open and its details unchanged. A screenshot proves nothing; the central record does.
• 3. Contact us: email support@northgrandroyale.com and we will explain what to bring and arrange an appointment. Take independent legal and financial advice first.
• 4. Verify your identity: government photo ID and proof that you are 19+ and resident in British Columbia. Prizes are paid only to the verified account holder.
• 5. Elect annuity or cash: you choose once, at the time of claim, and the choice is final. Where several plays win the same for-life tier, only the cash payout is available.
• 6. Validation and payment: the play is checked against the central system and paid in Canadian dollars. For an annuity, the first instalment follows validation.

Before you claim

Your name may be published

Publicising winners is normally a condition of receiving a major prize, so that the public can see prizes are paid. This can include your name, town, the game, the amount and a photograph. Anonymity is granted only in exceptional, documented cases.

How a for-life prize is paid

It is an annuity, paid in periodic instalments rather than literally daily, and guaranteed for at least 20 years. If the winner dies within that period, the remaining guaranteed payments go to the named beneficiary or the estate; afterwards, payments end on death. The cash option is the alternative.

Tax

Winnings themselves are not taxed in Canada, but income earned on them later (interest, dividends, rent, capital gains) is. Get independent tax advice before spending or investing a large win.

Nobody legitimate will ask you to pay

There is never a fee, tax, deposit or release payment to collect a prize. Nobody genuine will contact you about a game you did not play, or ask for card numbers, passwords or gift cards. North Grand Royale will not either. If it happens, stop and report it.

Something gone wrong with a claim?

Prize decisions are made against the validated central record. If you disagree with one, use the complaints process, which includes escalation to an independent body.

Read the terms

Every prize is validated against the central gaming system before payment; see the prize section of the terms.