Irish Lotto FAQs

How do I play Irish Lotto?

Playing Irish Lotto is simple, just choose six numbers from 1 to 45 either by selecting them yourself with a Quick Pick to generate random numbers. Each play costs €2. You can also add the Lotto Plus option for an extra €1 per line, which enters you into the Plus 1 and Plus 2 draws for extra chances to win. Then just enjoy the draw!

What is Lotto Plus?

Lotto Plus gives you two additional draws (Plus 1 and Plus 2) using the same numbers from your main Lotto ticket. These draws offer their own prize pools, including separate €1 million jackpots.

How old must you be to play Irish Lotto?

You must be at least 18 years old to buy Irish Lotto tickets, whether you do so online or in-store.

When is the Irish Lotto draw?

Draws take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at around 7:55pm.

When do entries close?

Ticket sales close at 7:45pm on draw days, so make sure to purchase them before then.

Where can I watch the Irish Lotto draw live?

You can watch the Irish Lotto draws live on RTÉ One, or check results shortly after on our website or through either the Android or iOS apps.

What are the odds of winning?

The odds of winning the Irish Lotto jackpot (matching all six numbers) are 1 in 8,145,060. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 25.4.

Is there a jackpot cap?

Yes. The Irish Lotto jackpot is capped at €16 million. If it reaches that amount and isn’t won, the funds that would normally go into the jackpot roll down to the next prize tier where there are winners.

What is a “Will Be Won” draw?

When the jackpot reaches its cap and remains unclaimed for 5 draws, a “Will Be Won” draw takes place. In this draw, the jackpot must be awarded, even if no one matches all six numbers. In the case of no jackpot winners, the prize rolls down to the next tier and is awarded to winners of lower tiers.

What is the biggest Lotto jackpot ever won?

The largest Irish Lotto jackpot ever won was €19.06 million, claimed by a syndicate from County Mayo in January 2022.

How do I find out if I’ve won?

If you played online, you’ll be notified automatically by email or app notification. For retail tickets, check results online, in the app, or at any National Lottery retailer.

How do I claim Irish Lotto prizes?

You have 90 days from the draw date to claim your prize. How you claim depends on the prize amount and where you bought your ticket:

• Up to €99: Paid directly into your online account (if played online).
• €100 to €500: You’ll receive a cheque sent to your registered address.
• €501 to €9,999: Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) will contact you to verify your details. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a Prize Claim Form to complete before your cheque is issued.
• €10,000 and above: You’ll need to visit the National Lottery headquarters in Dublin to verify your identity and collect your winnings in person.

How long do I have to claim an Irish Lotto prize?

You have 90 days from the date of the draw to claim your prize — after that, any unclaimed winnings go back into the prize fund.

Do I have to pay tax on winnings?

No. Irish Lotto winnings are completely tax-free in Ireland. However, if you’re playing from another country, you should check local tax laws, as these may differ.