irish lotto

few facts of irish lotto

The Irish lotto was introduced in 1988 as a replacement of Irish Hospital Sweepstakes. Irish lotto has since become the most popular lotteries in Europe. The popularity of Irish lotto seems to be growing by the day as it is relatively easy to win the jackpot in Irish lotto when compared to other major lotteries in Europe.

The size of the Irish lotto jackpot varies from draw to draw and generally depends on the number of people entering the draw. However, if the number of people entering the draw is less, then a minimum of €1.35 million is offered as the guaranteed jackpot. More often than not the jackpot size swells to over 5 million euros and at times it has reached a staggering 9.5 million euros due to rollovers.

To win a jackpot the player has to match six numbers from 1 – 42. If no winner is found then the jackpot rolls over to the next draw. In all there are six prize categories. The odds of winning the Irish lotto jackpot are far better than other competing lotteries; however, the jackpot size is proportionately smaller than other lotteries. The odds of a player winning are as low as 1 in 5,245,786. The odds are low because the player has to pick six numbers from 1 – 42 unlike other lotteries where the player has to pick six numbers from 1 – 49. The fewer the numbers to choose from, better the odds.

Detractors of Irish lotto point to the fact that the jackpot is significantly lower than other competing lotteries. However, we have yet to come across a person who would not be happy to take home a minimum €1.35 million and if he or she is lucky then the jackpot may be worth close to €10 million. Irish lotto has the distinction of producing one millionaire every week.

The price of each ticket is an affordable €1 and the player has to purchase a minimum of two lines per ticket. Each additional line costs €1 extra. When Irish lotto was first introduced in April 1988 players had to choose six numbers from 1 – 36. However, it was changed to 6/42 since September 1994.

The results of Irish lotto are drawn every Wednesday and Saturday and the draw is telecast live on Irish TV. Winners of Irish lotto jackpots become instant celebrities and receive significant media coverage. Payouts are made within 48 hours and the entire prize money is tax free.

So, if you are feeling lucky go ahead and buy a ticket of Irish lotto and see how the world around you changes.

Good Luck.

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