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Lottery 20 September 2022
The Odds Of Winning Your Lotto Bets
The Probability Of Winning The Lottery
Table of contents:
- WHAT IS THE PROBABILITY OF WINNING THE LOTTERY
- HOW TO CALCULATE THE PROBABILITY OF WINNING THE LOTTERY
- FINDING THE PROBABILITY
- THE PROBABILITY OF HITTING THE JACKPOT
- UK LOTTO
- IRISH LOTTO
- EUROMILLIONS
- EUROJACKPOT
- POWERBALL
- MEGA MILLIONS
- MINI LOTTO
- UK EXCLUSIVE LOTTO BETTING GAMES
- IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING
What is the Probability of Winning the lottery?
The top three jackpot odds are: Christmas El Gordo (Spain) at 1 to 100,000, MINI Lotto (Poland) at 1 to 850,668 and the Swedish Lotto at 1 to 6,724,520. Note that the Christmas El Gordo jackpot is split up into ten shares (décimos), each share is worth €400,000 (£332,99*).
How to Calculate the Probability of Winning the Lottery
Finding out the probability depends on two factors; the total amount of balls in each draw and the range of numbers to choose from. To calculate lottery odds, use the formula:
where n = the total amount of possible numbers to choose from, r = the amount of numbers chosen and ! is the factorial.
Please note that Lottoland is not a lottery operator and you are not buying a ticket with an applicable lottery. You must be 18 years of age or older to register and bet. Please see the Terms and Conditions.
FINDING THE PROBABILITY
Before we divulge the odds of the various lotteries we are going to look at, let’s look a bit closer into the formula which we used above and explain by using a few examples:
STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE BASICS
To work out the exact odds of any lottery requires two things: the total amount of balls that appear in each draw, and the range of numbers that players have to choose from.
STEP 2: CRUNCH THE NUMBERS
If you have a lottery with 6 balls ranging between 1 and 50, you would proceed as follows:
Equation 1: 6/50 = 0.12 (this is the likelihood that one of the first 6 picks will match with your first number)
Equation 2: 5/49 = ~0.10 (this is the likelihood that one of the 5 remaining balls will match with your second number)
Equation 3: 4/48 = 0.08 (the probability of ball 4 matching your third number)
Equation 4: 3/47 = ~0.06 (probability that the 3rd remaining ball will match your fourth number)
Equation 5: 2/46 = ~0.04 (probability of one of the last two picks matching your fifth number)
Equation 6: 1/45 = 0.02 (the likelihood of the final pick matching your last number)
Note: ~ means an approximation
Essentially, your first equation is the highest available number in the lottery's range divided by the total amount of balls that are drawn, then proceed down in descending order until you reach number 1.
To find your overall chance of winning, simply multiply the results of all the equations made in step 2 together, and this will give the probability of claiming the jackpot.
For our example, the answer would be ~0.0000000629.
STEP 3: PROBABILITY
To find your overall chance of winning, simply multiply the results of all the equations made in step 2 together, and this will give the probability of claiming the jackpot.
For our example, the answer would be ~0.0000000629.
STEP 4: TELL ME THE ODDS
The final step is to simply divide the number generated in step 3 by 1.
1 / 0.0000000629 = 15,890,700
Therefore the odds on you winning a 6 ball lottery with a number range of 1 to 50 is 1 : 15,890,700
WHAT ABOUT BONUS BALLS?
So, most lotteries have one or two bonus balls to factor in when working out your odds. While it's a little more time consuming, it's not difficult once you know how.
Returning to our 6 ball lottery with a number range of 1-50, you would repeat step 2 again, just as before.
Then you would need to work out the bonus ball equation based on how many there are per draw, and what numbers are available to players.
For this example, if players make 2 picks between 1 and 10, this is how you would work it out:
Bonus Ball Equation 1: 2/12 = 0.2
Bonus Ball Equation 2: 1/10 = 0.1
Then simply repeat step 3 and 4 to give the final odds.
THE PROBABILITY OF HITTING THE JACKPOT
When it comes to odds, the main question on the minds of most lottery players is; what are the odds of winning the lottery?
Below is a list of the best jackpot odds on the world’s most popular lotteries, most of which can be bet on here at Lottoland. Notable exceptions include the UK Lotto and EuroMillions, which are included for comparison purposes. We have also listed the odds for winning any prize, it should be noted that there are some fantastic secondary prizes to be won amongst some of these great lotteries.
| Probability of winning the lottery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lottery | Jackpot Odds | Any Prize Odds |
| Christmas El Gordo | 1 : 100,000* | 1 : 10 |
| MINI Lotto (Poland) | 1 : 850,668 | 1 : 124 |
| Austrian Lotto | 1 : 8,145,060 | 1 : 12 |
| Irish Lotto | 1 : 10,737,573 | 1 : 29 |
| Polish Lotto | 1 : 13,983,816 | 1 : 57 |
| Set for Life | 1 : 15,339,390 | 1 : 15 |
| French Lotto | 1 : 19,068,840 | 1 : 5.99 |
| Cash4Life | 1 : 21,846,048 | 1 : 13 |
| Quina (Brazil) | 1 : 24,040,016 | 1 : 36 |
| South African Lotto | 1 : 31,625,100 | 1 : 36 |
| UK Lotto | 1 : 45,057,474 | 1 : 98 |
| Mega-Sena (Brazil) | 1 : 50,063,860 | 1 : 2,298 |
| EuroJackpot | 1 : 139,838,160 | 1 : 32 |
| EuroMillions | 1 : 139,838,160 | 1 : 13 |
| Spanish Lotto | 1 : 139,838,160 | 1 : 10 |
| Swedish Lotto | 1 : 139,838,160 | 1 : 22 |
| German Lotto | 1 : 139,838,160 | 1 : 31 |
| Powerball (US) | 1 : 292,201,338 | 1 : 24.9 |
| Mega Millions (US) | 1 : 302,573,350 | 1 : 13 |
| SuperEnalotto (Italy) | 1 : 622,614,630 | 1 : 20 |
*The Christmas El Gordo jackpot is split up into ten shares (décimos), each share is worth €400,000 which is then subject to 20% tax, therefore the first prize would be €360,000.
As we can see from above, the Christmas El Gordo offers unbelievable odds at 1 to 100,000 for the jackpot and 1 to 10 for any prize. Although it should be noted that the jackpot is divided into ten shares as explained above.
Poland’s MINI Lotto also offers amazing jackpot odds at 1 to 850,668 with a prize of zł 366,518 (approximately £69,827*). A standout lottery is definitely the Swedish Lotto, offering the best odds for a lottery with a substantial prize (i.e. running into the millions of pounds). Jackpot odds are only 1 to 850,668 with a massive jackpot of sek 237 million (approximately £20.2 million*).
UK LOTTO
The UK Lotto is not available at Lottoland, but since it’s the lottery most of our UK customers are familiar with, it serves as a useful yardstick for comparison with other lotteries.
| UK Lotto Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Payout |
| 6 numbers (Jackpot) | 1 : 45,057,474 | £2.5 million (min) |
| 5 numbers + Bonus Ball | 1 : 7,509,579 | £1 million |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 144,415 | £1,750 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 2,180 | £140 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 97 | £30 |
| 2 numbers | 1:10.3 | Free Lucky Dip |
IRISH LOTTO
Positioned amongst the top lotteries with the best jackpots odds along with a substantial jackpot prize of €18.9 million (approximately £15.7 million*), the Irish Lotto is a great all-round lottery and one of the most popular with our UK customers here at Lottoland.
| Irish Lotto Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Average Payout |
| 6 numbers (Jackpot) | 1 : 10,737,573 | €2 million (min) |
| 5 numbers + Bonus | 1 : 1,789,596 | €100,000 |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 44,740 | €1,500 |
| 4 numbers + Bonus | 1 : 17,896 | €150 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 918 | €50 |
| 3 numbers + Bonus | 1 : 688 | €50 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 54 | €9 |
| 2 numbers + Bonus | 1 : 72 | €3 |
| Any Prize | 1 : 29 | |
EUROMILLIONS
EuroMillions’ popularity is as high as ever, thanks, in no small part, to its consistently high jackpots. Of course, with high jackpots come high jackpot odds. But just how high are the odds of EuroMillions? This jackpot is capped at a maximum of €230 million (approximately £191.4 million*) and tends to generate a lot of excitement when it starts to rise above the €100 million mark. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer bets on EuroMillions at Lottoland, although we do offer exciting alternatives such as our exclusive Lotto Betting Game Millionaire.
| Euromillions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Average Payout |
| 5 numbers + 2 Stars (Jackpot) | 1 : 139,838,160 | €62.15 million |
| 5 numbers + 1 Star | 1 : 6,991,908 | €427,536,78 |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 3,107,515 | €56,324.43 |
| 4 numbers + 2 Stars | 1 : 621,503 | €2,916.50 |
| 4 numbers + 1 Star | 1 : 31,075 | €157.43 |
| 3 numbers + 2 Stars | 1 : 14,125 | €95.60 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 13,811 | €54.22 |
| 2 numbers + 2 stars | 1 : 985 | €18.24 |
| 3 numbers + 1 star | 1 : 706 | €13.63 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 314 | €11.36 |
| 1 number + 2 stars | 1 : 188 | €9.50 |
| 2 numbers + 1 star | 1 : 49 | €7.33 |
| 2 numbers | 1 : 22 | €4.25 |
| Any Prize | 1 : 13 | |
EUROJACKPOT
EuroMillions may still be Europe’s largest lottery but EuroJackpot is certainly giving it a run for its money! This lottery is hugely popular in Germany and Scandinavia as it offers sizeable jackpots and better odds than EuroMillions. EuroJackpot is now capped at a beautiful top prize of €120 million (approximately £99.7 million*), and the maximum jackpot will be increased from €90 million to €120 million (approximately £99.7 million*)! This could result in a new record occuring for tbe biggest-ever win later on this year, so keep your eyes peeled!
Draws originally only happened once a week, however now you don't have to wait a full week to see if you have bagged yourself a prize as a new draw is also being held on Tuesday's as from now on!
Another new addition to the EuroJackpot rules is that you are now able to choose more numbers from a lovely range of 1 to 12 instead of the original 1 to 10. Giving you greater possibilities to win a prize.
| EuroJackpot Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Payout |
| 5 numbers + 2 Stars (Jackpot) | 1 : 139,838,160 | €10 million (min) |
| 5 + 1 Euro Number | 1 : 6,991,908 | €986,175 |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 3,107,515 | €232,041.10 |
| 4 numbers + 2 Euro Numbers | 1 : 621,503 | €6,271.30 |
| 4 numbers + 1 Euro Number | 1 : 31,075 | €6,271.30 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 13,811 | €124,50.00 |
| 3 + 2 Euro Numbers | 1 : 14,125 | €79,10.00 |
| 3 numbers + 1 Euro Numbers | 1 : 706 | €19,30.00 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 314 | €16,90.00 |
| 2 numbers + 2 Euro Numbers | 1 : 985 | €26,10.00 |
| 2 numbers + 1 Euro Number | 1 : 49 | €8,10.00 |
| 1 number + 2 Euro Numbers | 1 : 188 | €12,60.00 |
| Any Prize | 1 : 32 | |
POWERBALL
With a record jackpot of a mind-boggling $1.586 billion (approximately £1.2 billion*), it’s no wonder that everyone wants a chance to bet on the world-famous U.S. Powerball. As a result of its popularity and the huge population of the USA, the probability of winning the Powerball is slim. However, with a minimum payout of $20 million (approximately £15.1 million*), it is no surprise that this lottery is firmly placed amongst the top lotteries in the world.
| Powerball Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Payout |
| 5 numbers + Powerball (Jackpot) | 1 : 292,201,338 | $20 million (min) |
| 4 numbers + Powerball | 1 : 11,688,053 | $1 million |
| 4 numbers + Powerball | 1 : 913,129 | $50,000 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 36,525 | $100 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 580 | $7 |
| 2 numbers + Powerball | 1 : 701 | $7 |
| 1 main number + Powerball | 1 : 92 | $4 |
| Powerball | 1 : 38 | $4 |
| Any Prize | 1 : 25 | |
MEGA MILLIONS
Coca-Cola Vs. Pepsi, Mac Vs. PC, Marvel Vs. DC – some of the most epic brand rivalries in history. In the lottery world, however, the biggest rivalry is between the two American super-lotteries. Both brands have changed their formats in recent years in order to challenge each other with improved chances of winning any prize and increased jackpots. Whilst Powerball may still hold the edge, MegaMillions is closing in on the biggest jackpot record with an astonishing $1.537 billion (approximately £1.2 billion*). Testament to Megamillions’ popularity is the fact that it currently ranks at the bottom of the table for jackpot odds.
| Megamillions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Payout |
| 5 numbers + Mega Ball (Jackpot) | 1 : 302,575,350 | $20 million (minimum) |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 12,607,306 | $1 million |
| 4 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 : 931,001 | $10,000 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 38,792 | $500 |
| 3 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 : 14,547 | $200 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 606 | $10 |
| 2 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 : 693 | $10 |
| 1 number + Mega Ball | 1 : 89 | $4 |
| Mega Ball | 1 : 37 | $2 |
| Any Prize | 1 : 24 | |
MINI LOTTO
MINI Lotto is an increasingly popular lottery from Poland which offers superb jackpot odds of 1 to 850,668 on a very decent prize of £80,000. MINI Lotto is also Lottoland’s cheapest lottery bet available, costing just 35p!
| Mini Lotto Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Payout |
| 5 numbers (Jackpot) | 1 : 850,668 | £80,000 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 4,598 | £200 approx. |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 127 | £3.50 approx. |
UK EXCLUSIVE LOTTO BETTING GAMES
At Lottoland we are constantly looking to innovate and bring our customers new and unique experiences, therefore we have developed a series of lotto betting games exclusive to our UK customers which offer some brilliant prizes at odds that are more favourable than betting on some of the larger lotteries.
Lotto x5
| Lotto x5 0dds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Payout |
| 6 numbers (Jackpot) | 1 : 45,057,474 | £1 million |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 141,690 | £1,0000 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 141,690 | £100 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 96 | £10 |
| 2 numbers | 1 : 10 | £2 |
Win-Win Charity Lotto
| Win-Win Charity Lotto | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Probability | Estimated Payout |
| 5 numbers + Bonus (Jackpot) | 1 : 19,068,840 | £250,000 |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 2,118,760 | £61,000 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 9,631 | £250 |
| 3 numbers + Bonus | 1 : 144 | £5 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 144 | £5 |
| 2 numbers + Bonus | 1 : 172 | £5 |
| 2 numbers | 1 : 16 | £2 |
| Bonus number | 1 : 18 | £1 |
Small Fortune Lotto
| Small Fortune Lotto | |
|---|---|
| Prize Tier | Odds |
| 5 numbers + FortuneBall | 1 : 42,375,200 |
| 5 numbers | 1 : 2,230,274 |
| 4 numbers + FortuneBall | 1 : 188,334 |
| 4 numbers | 1 : 9,912 |
| 3 numbers + FortuneBall | 1 : 4,280 |
| 3 numbers | 1 : 225 |
| 2 numbers + FortuneBall | 1 : 299 |
| 1 number + FortuneBall | 1 : 57 |
| FortuneBall | 1 : 36 |
Improve your chances of winning
Lotteries are the ultimate game of chance - the odds stacked against you are high, but the rewards are the sweetest of all. Of course, we publish all the odds and probabilities in the individual FAQs of all our lotteries. We have shown you the odds of winning some of our most popular lotteries and these should be taken into account when you consider which one to go for, as well as the jackpot, of course. The old saying; 'if you're not in, you can't win', is certainly true, as your odds of getting a win are improved by entering more draws. Syndicates are a great way to boost your chances of a win too, and even if you don't have your own syndicate at home or work you can simply join a syndicate at Lottoland to tilt the odds more in your favour.
*Amounts show in GBP are according to the exchange rate of 20/09/2022
Last Updated: 20 September 2022
D
by
Daniel
The lottery is a universal game and luck knows no border! My adventurous spirit has led to me living in three continents, opening my eyes to the world. Lottoland gives you the chance to explore a world of lotteries at your fingertips. I wish to share some of the greatest lotto stories with you and hope to inspire you. As a history buff, I find it fascinating that the ancient Greeks were betting on the Olympics and that the first recorded lottery dates back to 15th century Milan. Virtutis Fortuna Comes.
