The Irish Lotto is one of Ireland’s most popular national lotteries, offering participants the chance to win prizes through a straightforward and widely recognised format.
The Lotto was established in 1988 by the Irish government and was operated by the state-owned An Post National Lottery Company, which initially took place weekly. It has been operated by Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) since 2014 and is a cornerstone of Ireland’s gaming culture, with proceeds contributing to various good causes in areas like health, education, and sports development.
On top of the traditional lottery there is now an online lottery available.
Key Features Of The Irish Lotto
Since 2015, the lotto has run on a format where players select six numbers from a pool of 47. During each draw, six main numbers and one bonus number are drawn, which takes place twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
Prizes are awarded for various winning combinations, starting from matching at least two main numbers plus the bonus number. The jackpot, the most coveted prize, is reserved for matching all six main numbers. If the jackpot is not claimed in a given draw, it rolls over to the next, frequently resulting in significant prize pools.
For those looking to expand their chances, optional add-ons like Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 are available at a lower ticket price, providing additional opportunities to win. The Lotto Plus Raffle also offers fixed cash prizes to randomly selected tickets, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.
How To Play
Playing the Irish Lotto is straightforward and offers multiple ways to participate, either in-store or online. The following steps outline the process:
1. Select Numbers
Choose six main numbers from 1 to 47. This can be done manually by marking a play slip or using the number grid provided. Alternatively, opt for a Quick Pick to have six numbers generated randomly.
2. Determine Entry
Each line of numbers costs €2, with a minimum of two lines required per entry, making the base cost €4. Players can enter for a single draw or both weekly draws – Wednesday and Saturday – held at 7:57 pm. Ticket sales close at 7:45 pm on draw days.
3. Choose Draw Days
Indicate whether the entry is for the Wednesday draw, Saturday draw, or both. This can be done by marking the relevant options on a play slip or selecting them online.
4. Choose Whether To Add Lotto Plus Or Not
Add Lotto Plus for an extra €1 per line. This option provides access to the Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 draws, as well as the Plus Raffle, giving three additional chances to win. If Lotto Plus is added, the ticket will display “PLUS: YES.”
5. Decide The Number Of Draws
Choose how many consecutive draws to enter: 1, 2, 4, or 8.
6. Complete Entry
- In-Store: Hand the completed play slip to the retailer and pay the required amount. A ticket will be issued – ensure it is kept safe until the draw results are announced.
- Online: Confirm the entry on the account, and the cost will be deducted automatically. Online play eliminates the need to keep a physical ticket, and any winnings are directly credited to the account.
7. Check For Winnings
After the draw, compare the selected numbers to the winning numbers. Online players are notified of any prizes won, and winnings can be withdrawn from the account, subject to banking timelines.
Odds and Prize Tiers
With multiple ways to win, the overall odds of claiming any prize stand at 1 in 29, while the likelihood of hitting the jackpot is 1 in 10,737,573 – considered competitive compared to other major lotteries. For example, the comparative chance of claiming a jackpot prize in the UK National Lottery is 1 in 45,057,474.
Each Irish Lotto draw offers players the chance to win from eight prize tiers, including a minimum jackpot of €2 million. Prizes are determined by how closely the numbers chosen align with the drawn numbers. Matching all six main numbers secures the jackpot while matching as few as two main numbers plus the Bonus Ball could still result in a prize. The Bonus Ball is drawn from the remaining 41 numbers after the six main numbers are selected.
Irish Lotto Prize Categories
Match 6: Odds of 1 in 10,737,573
- Prize Value: Jackpot (minimum of €2 million)
- Average Prize: €4,902,426.48
Match 5 + Bonus Ball: Odds of 1 in 1,789,596
- Prize Value: 5.37% of the Prize Fund
- Average Prize: €118,507.75
Match 5: Odds of 1 in 44,740
- Prize Value: 3.22% of the Prize Fund
- Average Prize: €1,701.74
Match 4 + Bonus Ball: Odds of 1 in 17,896
- Prize Value: 0.81% of the Prize Fund
- Average Prize: €168.11
Match 4: Odds of 1 in 918
- Prize Value: 5.24% of the Prize Fund
- Average Prize: €52.00
Match 3 + Bonus Ball: Odds of 1 in 688
- Prize Value: 3.29% of the Prize Fund
- Average Prize: €26.44
Match 3: Odds of 1 in 54
- Prize Value: 15.93% of the Prize Fund
- Average Prize: €9.19
Match 2 + Bonus Ball: Odds of 1 in 72
- Prize Value: €3 Daily Million Quick Pick (with Daily Million Plus)
- Average Prize: €3.00
The remaining portion of the Prize Fund is directed to a “Reserve Fund,” primarily intended to ensure the minimum jackpot is always available. This fund can also be allocated to other prize tiers within a game if required.
Players can choose to enter as many times as they please with different number combinations in the Irish Lotto. With the minimum play requiring two lines, the effective odds of securing the jackpot become 1 in 5,368,768 when all numbers differ across the combinations.
Adding Lotto Plus to a ticket provides additional opportunities by entering the selected numbers into two extra draws. Playing both games together increases the overall odds of winning a prize to 1 in 10.
Contributions To Good Causes
Nearly 30 cents of every €1 spent on National Lottery games is directed towards supporting thousands of impactful good causes across Ireland. These contributions benefit various sectors, including Health, Sport, Arts, the Irish Language, Heritage, and initiatives for Children and Youth. Since its inception, National Lottery players have collectively raised an estimated €6 billion. On average, over 4,500 beneficiaries receive funding annually, helping to improve communities nationwide.
The funding is available to groups and organisations within specific sectors outlined in the National Lottery Act 2013, including:
- Sport
- Arts and Culture
- Heritage
- Youth
- Health and Wellbeing
- Community Development
- Irish Language
These contributions are crucial in enhancing Irish society, supporting projects that have a positive and lasting impact on communities nationwide.
Responsible Gambling
The Irish Lotto is designed to provide an enjoyable experience, but as real money is involved, it’s essential to approach it responsibly. Participation should always remain a form of entertainment, and by playing responsibly, participants can continue to enjoy the Irish Lotto while ensuring their overall experience is positive.
This content was provided by iGaming Agency; please contact them directly with any questions.
