How do I get a number to play?
Registration forms are available from the participating retailers and at special events of the Bay Treasure Chest.
Complete the form and deposit it in one of our treasure chests.
You may start playing right away.
This number is your number for life or until you cancel your number.
How do I play in the Bay Treasure Chest toonie draw?
Go to a participating retailer.
Take a sticker from the Bay Treasure Chest display.
Print your number clearly on the black line on the sticker.
Put the sticker on the centre of your toonie and deposit the toonie in the treasure chest.
Can I use another type of sticker?
No. We cannot guarantee a different sticker will adhere properly.
Can I put the registration in my child’s name?
No. Nova Scotia’s lottery licence rules require all players be 19 years of age or older.
When is the draw?
Boxes are picked up shortly after noon every Wednesday. Weather conditions may occasionally cause a delay in pick up, but players are encouraged to play before noon on Wednesday to ensure their toonie is counted in that week’s draw.
The draw takes place every Wednesday afternoon and is witnessed by at least three people.
Is the draw made by drawing a coin played that week?
No, the draw is made from all active registered numbers. That includes numbers registered during the week and up until chests are picked up on Wednesdays.
For how long is my registered number valid?
Your number is registered in your name only and is yours until you cancel it. If you wish to retire your number, let us know by emailing info@baytreasurechest.ca.
Can I play more than one number?
Yes, you can play as many numbers as you wish. You need to complete a separate registration form for each number you play.
Is there a benefit to playing the same number several times in one week?
No. As the draw is from the registered numbers, and not from numbers played that week, the only way to increase your chance to win is by registering and playing one or more additional numbers.
What is the prize?
A winner received 50% of the amount of money collected that week. The remaining 50% goes equally to the designated St. Margaret’s Bay nonprofit organizations for their community service projects.
Is there a winner every week?
Not necessarily. If a registered number is drawn and that number was not played that week, the prize rolls over to the next week. After four consecutive rollover weeks, draws will continue in the fifth week until a winning number is drawn.
How many St. Margaret’s Bay nonprofit groups are supported by the draw?
The St. Margaret’s Bay nonprofit organizations participating in the Bay Treasure Chest Association are listed on the Community page. Additional community groups and projects are supported through our Honorarium Program.
Do I have to play at the same location every week?
No, you can play at any one of our participating retailer locations.
Can I play in advance?
We do not have a play-in-advance option. Numbers played between Wednesday afternoon and the following Wednesday at noon are eligible for that week’s draw. When they are not able to play, many of our players make arrangements with a friend or family member to play for them; note that the participating retailers and Bay Treasure Chest personnel are not allowed to perform this function.
Can I obtain a tax receipt for any money played on the lottery?
No. Because the Bay Treasure Chest is a 50/50 lottery, plays are not considered charitable contributions for tax-receipt purposes.
If I am a winner, how am I notified?
If you win, you will be contacted by phone on Wednesday, as soon as possible after the draw. If the winner is not reachable quite quickly by phone, they will be emailed.
If I win, will my name and photo be published?
By registering a Bay Treasure Chest number in your name, you are agreeing to have your photograph, along with your name, community, winning number, and prize amount published in our weekly newsletter, on social media, on our treasure chests, on our website, and in the The Masthead News.
If there is no winner for the week, the number drawn and prize amount will still be published.
If I win, how do I collect my winnings?
When you are contacted about your win, the Bay Treasure Chest representative who calls you will confirm arrangements for your photograph and cheque presentation. Whenever possible, the presentation will take place on the day of your win. You will need to present photo ID.
What happens if I forget my number?
Your number is registered with Bay Treasure Chest in your name. If you have forgotten your number, you can click on the “Check my number(s)” button at the bottom of every Tuesday-morning play reminder email. An email will be sent to you within 24 hours with all numbers registered in your name. You may also contact Bay Treasure Chest by phone or email.
Do you have to live in the St. Margaret’s Bay area in order to play?
No, you don’t need to live in the area. However, the participating retailers where you play are in the St. Margaret’s Bay area only.
Are the volunteers, partners, retailers, sponsors, and other organizations associated with the Bay Treasure Chest — including employees, spouses, and other direct family members or individuals residing in the same household — eligible to play?
Yes. Strict security and transparency allow the draws from registered numbers to be random and fair, so those individuals, provided they are 19 or older, may play in the draw.