Lotto Pick & Play FAQs

Was Lotto Pick & Play always called that?

Yes. Up until September 2026, this game was known as 'Lotto 5-4-3-2-1' - it was updated as part of a range of changes to Lotto and its derivative lottery games, which included an additional draw day - Monday - alongside the existing Wednesday and Saturday draws. Another important detail that was tweaked was the number ball pool, which was changed from 1-47 to 1-45. As a result, the odds of winning for each prize tier improved, but the value of each fixed prize was decreased to compensate.

What numbers can I choose from?

Numbers range from 1 to 45.

How much can I win?

The prize for each tier is fixed, however these tiers will change depending on the game that you try to match your numbers against. For example, the jackpot for matching all numbers in a six-number game is €100,000 for a €1 play, but for a seven-number game, the same tier with a €1 play will win you €25,000! This is due to a seven-number game offering better odds of winning. You can view our Prizes Page for a breakdown of the prize tiers.

Is Lotto Pick & Play part of the main Lotto draw?

Yes. Results are based on the Lotto, Plus 1, and Plus 2 draws. The game uses the exact same winning numbers drawn during the official Irish National Lottery draws (Lotto, Plus 1, and Plus 2) rather than having its own separate drawing. Instead of selecting six numbers, you choose to pick between 1 and 5 numbers, select whether to also play the Plus draws, and decide whether to include the Bonus Ball—if every single number you picked is drawn, you win a fixed prize based on your stake.

Do fewer numbers mean easier odds?

Yes, choosing to play fewer numbers significantly improves your odds of winning, though it yields lower prize payouts. When you pick a smaller set of numbers (such as a 1-number or 2-number game), you have a much higher statistical chance of matching every number you selected. However, because matching fewer numbers is easier to achieve, the fixed prize multiplier is smaller. Conversely, selecting 5 numbers offers the highest fixed prize payout, but carries longer odds because every single selected number must be drawn to win. Visit the Odds & Prizes Page to check the odds for each play configuration.

Can I play multiple formats in the same draw?

Yes, you can combine multiple game formats within a single entry. You are free to mix and match 5-number, 4-number, 3-number, 2-number, and 1-number selections on the same playslip for the exact same drawing. Each selection operates as an independent line with its own individual stake, allowing you to balance high-payout options alongside lower-risk options in a single draw session.

How do I check whether I've won?

You can verify your numbers through several convenient channels:

• Online Checker: Input your chosen numbers and draw options into the online checker to instantly scan recent draw histories for wins.
• Results Page: Compare your ticket manually against winning combinations posted on the Latest Results page immediately following each draw.
• Mobile App: Scan paper tickets directly using the official National Lottery mobile app.
• In-Store Verification: Present physical paper tickets to any authorized National Lottery retailer to be processed through the terminal.

Is there a jackpot?

No, Lotto Pick & Play does not feature a traditional rolling jackpot. All prize payouts are fixed cash multipliers based on your selected game option and stake amount. Because the prizes are fixed, you never have to share your winnings with other players who selected the same numbers, and payouts remain guaranteed regardless of how many winners occur in a given draw. Sometimes the top Match-5 prize is referred to as a Jackpot, but this isn't technically correct.

How much does it cost to play a line, and how do stakes work?

Base entry prices start at €1 per line. You can customize your potential payout by choosing a higher stake per line—options include €1, €2, €3, €4, or €5. Your final prize is calculated by multiplying the standard payout multiplier by your chosen stake. For instance, playing a line with a €5 stake pays out five times the cash prize of a standard €1 line. For detailed prize tables and stake calculators, review the How to Play page.

What's the difference between the 6-number game and the 7-number game?

The distinction comes down to whether the drawn Bonus Ball is included in your matching pool:

• 6-Number Game: Your chosen numbers are checked exclusively against the 6 main balls drawn. Because your selection must appear within a smaller pool of numbers, the odds are harder, resulting in comparatively higher payouts per prize tier compared to 7-Number games.
• 7-Number Game: Your chosen numbers are checked against all 6 main balls plus the 1 Bonus Ball (7 balls total). Having an additional ball in the winning set improves your odds of matching your chosen numbers, so payout multipliers are scaled down accordingly.

What are my odds of winning across different options?

Your exact odds depend directly on the quantity of numbers selected and whether you enter the 6-number or 7-number game variant. Below is a summary of the probability scale:

• Best Odds (1-Number, 7-Number Game): Approximately 1 in 6 chance of matching your single chosen number against the 7 balls drawn.
• Hardest Odds (5-Number, 6-Number Game): Approximately 1 in 203,6277 chance of matching all 5 chosen numbers against the 6 main balls drawn.
• Hardest Odds (5-Number, 7-Number Game): Approximately 1 in 58,179 chance of matching all 5 chosen numbers across all 7 balls drawn.

To view complete odds, probability breakdowns, and prize multipliers for every format, visit the Odds & Prizes page.

Can I enter against Lotto, Plus 1, Plus 2, or all three draws?

Yes. Every main Lotto event consists of three distinct drawings: the main Lotto draw, Lotto Plus 1, and Lotto Plus 2. When purchasing your ticket, you can choose to enter your number combinations into any single draw, any combination of two draws, or all three draws simultaneously. Selecting multiple draws doubles or triples your total ticket cost accordingly, providing separate chances to win across each selected draw.

When are the draws held and what are the ticket sales cut-offs?

Drawings take place twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at approximately 7:55 PM. Ticket sales for that evening's draw close strictly at 7:45 PM on draw nights. Any tickets purchased after 7:45 PM will automatically be entered into the next scheduled draw.

Is there a minimum age to play?

Yes, all players must be strictly 18 years of age or older to purchase tickets, register an online account, or claim prizes for Lotto Pick & Play or any other National Lottery game.

Can I use Quick Pick to choose my numbers?

Yes. If you do not wish to select your own lucky numbers, you can select the Quick Pick option. The system terminal or online software will automatically generate a set of random numbers for your chosen game format (1 to 5 numbers).

Can I play in-store as well as online?

Yes, you can participate through either channel:

• In-Store: Complete a dedicated Lotto Pick & Play playslip at any authorized National Lottery retail agent and pay at the counter.
• Online / App: Log in to your official National Lottery account via the website or mobile application to select your numbers, set your draw options, and pay digitally using registered payment methods.