Discover the best odds lottery games in the UK and beyond – from the Betfred Nifty Fifty to the US Powerball; we’ll guide you through your chances of winning and share our best offers for the world’s most popular lotteries.
When pondering, “Which lottery has the best odds?” UK players find themselves at the forefront of an exciting global quest. This guide addresses that crucial question, taking you through a comprehensive tour of the top lottery games in the UK and worldwide. We focus on identifying the best lottery to play for those seeking the thrill of participation and the best chance to win the lottery – not just the jackpot but smaller prizes, too. We’ll examine the most exciting draws, from the US Powerball to the Spanish Christmas Lottery.
As we navigate various online lotteries, we emphasise those offering the most favourable odds. This article aims to demystify the complex world of lottery statistics, making it approachable and practical. Whether you are a regular player or curious about entering the game, our insights will help you make an informed decision. We explore a variety of lotteries, assessing their odds and evaluating the balance between ticket cost, prize offerings, draw frequency and chance of winning.
Lotteries are about more than just playing; they are about choosing wisely and optimising your chances. This journey into the heart of lottery odds will equip UK players with the knowledge to select the best lottery to play, enhancing their chance to win. Join us as we reveal the secrets of the online lottery world, guiding you towards making smarter, more informed choices in your lottery endeavours.
Which lottery has the best odds to play online?
Position | Lottery | Odds of any prize |
---|---|---|
1 | Spanish Christmas Lottery El Gordo | 1 in 6.54 |
2 | Betfred Nifty Fifty | 1 in 6 |
3 | Cash 4 Life | 1 in 7.76 |
4 | Euromillions | 1 in 13 |
5 | The Pools Lotto 4 Life Games | 1 in 12.4 |
6 | Daily Million | 1 in 14 (with Daily Million Plus) |
7 | Mega Millions | 1 in 24 |
8 | US Powerball | 1 in 24.87 |
9 | Irish Lotto | 1 in 29 |
10 | German Lotto 6aus49 | 1 in 31 |
1. Christmas Spanish Lottery El Gordo
El Gordo Christmas Raffle
FESTIVE GIANT!€2.6
Billion
December 22nd 09:00 CET
Play from the UK
Limited Shares Available!
Enter the biggest prize pool this Christmas
In our guide to the best odds lottery games for UK players, the Spanish Christmas Lottery, El Gordo de Navidad, demands attention for its unique structure and some good chances of winning.
El Gordo stands out from famous lotteries like EuroMillions, which has a jackpot odds of 1 in 139,838,160. Unlike EuroMillions, El Gordo operates more like a raffle. This format results in significantly better odds of winning. Each prize in El Gordo is predetermined and fixed, offering a nearly 1 in 100,000 chance of winning the jackpot. It contrasts with lotteries like La Primitiva, where prize tiers are based on the number of winners.
The role of the series in El Gordo is crucial. In 2019, there were 170 series. It means that 170 tickets can share the same number, and if that number wins, all 170 ticket holders win the jackpot of €4 million. It also applies to all prize tiers, making the distribution of winnings unique.
The odds of winning prizes in El Gordo are impressive:
- El Gordo 1st Prize: 1 in 100,000
- 2nd Prize: 1 in 100,000
- 3rd Prize: 1 in 100,000
- 4th Prize: 1 in 50,000
- 5th Prize: 1 in 12,500
Additionally, the lottery awards prizes to tickets that closely match the winning numbers:
- Numbers before and after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes: 1 in 50,000
- Tickets matching the first three digits of top prizes: 1 in 1,010 (1st, 2nd, 3rd prize) and 1 in 505 (4th prize)
- The last two digits match El Gordo and other top prizes: 1 in 100
- Five correct numbers: 1 in 56
- Same last digit as El Gordo: 1 in 10
In conclusion, El Gordo de Navidad offers some of the best odds for lottery enthusiasts, particularly when compared to other global lotteries. Its raffle-style system and fixed prizes make it a unique and attractive option for UK players seeking lotteries with the best odds. The overall odds of winning any prize in the El Gordo de Navidad lottery are approximately 1 in 6.54 or about 15.3%.
2. Betfred Nifty Fifty Lotto
Nifty Fifty Jackpot
DRAWS 5X DAILY!£5
Million
11.30am, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm – Daily
Play exclusively at Betfred
Bet £5
Get £20 in Free Play
Play Nifty Fifty from 50p
If you want some of the best lottery odds for UK players, look no further than the Betfred Nifty Fifty. This lottery stands out with its 6-ball and 7-ball draw options – the number of balls you pick significantly impacts your winning odds.
Picking one number, you face 7/1 odds in a 6-ball draw and 6/1 in a 7-ball draw. More numbers mean higher odds. Two numbers bring 70/1 odds in the 6-ball and 50/1 in the 7-ball draw. By choosing three numbers, the odds jump to 800/1 in the 6-ball and 500/1 in the 7-ball draw. Four numbers increase the odds to 10,000/1 in the 6-ball and 5,500/1 in the 7-ball draw.
For the ambitious, five numbers offer 200,000/1 odds in the 6-ball and 60,000/1 in the 7-ball draw. The top tier, six numbers, brings a staggering 5,000,000/1 in the 6-ball and 150,000/1 in the 7-ball draw.
Betfred Nifty Fifty is known for its high-risk, high-reward setup. It appeals to those seeking a challenging and potentially rewarding lottery experience. This makes it a notable option among UK lotto betting enthusiasts.
3. Cash 4 Life
Cash 4 Life
DAILY JACKPOTWin $1000 / per day
for 20 years
Daily 02:00 GMT
Play in the UK
Best prices on tickets for daily wins
£5.99 per ticket
Cash4Life is a captivating lottery choice for UK players, offering a unique twist in its prize structure. Renowned for its life payout options, it stands out in the lottery world. Players have various prize levels to aim for, with each level offering distinct odds of winning.
In the highest tier, matching all 5 numbers plus the Cash Ball brings odds of 1 in 21,846,048, offering a daily prize of $1,000 for life. This top prize is shared if there are multiple winners. With odds of 1 in 7,282,016, the second prize grants $1,000 weekly for life and remains fixed regardless of the number of winners. Further down, the odds improve significantly. Matching 4 numbers plus the Cash Ball yields $2,500 at 1 in 79,440 odds.
Simply matching 4 numbers offers a $500 prize, with a 1 in 26,480 chance. Smaller prizes range from $100 for 3 numbers plus the Cash Ball (1 in 1,471 odds) to $2 for matching a single number with the Cash Ball (1 in 13 odds). Overall, the odds of winning any prize in Cash 4 Life are an enticing 1 in 7.76, making it a notable option for those seeking a lottery with better odds and the potential for long-term rewards.
4. Euromillions and Euromillions Superdraw
Euromillions Jackpot
£101
Million
Friday 26th January 8:45pm GMT
Play from the UK
Buy 1 EuroMillions Ticket
Get 1 FREE
In determining “which lottery has the best odds,” the EuroMillions and its special version, the EuroMillions Superdraw, offer intriguing prospects. UK players often ask about the “lottery with the best odds,” and understanding EuroMillions is vital in this context.
The odds of securing the jackpot (5 numbers plus 2 stars) in EuroMillions are 1 in 139,838,160, with an average prize of £58,302,503.47. While these odds are daunting, they are part of the game’s appeal, offering life-changing sums. The second tier prize (5 numbers plus 1 star) presents better odds of 1 in 6,991,908, yielding an average of £263,671.04.
As we move down the prize tiers, the odds improve. Matching 5 numbers has odds of 1 in 3,107,515, with an average prize of £26,324.59. The odds for 4 numbers plus 2 stars are 1 in 621,503, offering £1,457.68 on average. The more modest prizes range from £94.09 for 4 numbers plus 1 star (odds of 1 in 31,076) to £2.70 for matching 2 numbers (odds of 1 in 22).
Crucially, the overall odds of winning any prize in EuroMillions are approximately 1 in 13. These odds are significant for players seeking the lottery with the best odds of securing a prize.
In the broader context of our guide, EuroMillions exemplifies a balance between aspirational jackpot odds and more attainable lower-tier prizes with good chances of winning. This understanding aids us in making informed decisions, especially when comparing these improved odds to other global lotteries like the US Powerball.
5. The Pools Lottery Games
Loaded 4 Life
ULTIMATE PRIZE£100,000 every year for 35 years, tax-free!
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – Bet before 21.29 GMT
Play in the UK
Play Exclusive Lotto Games at The Pools
From just 50p
The Pools lotto offers three intriguing lottery games, each with unique odds and prize structures. Here’s a summary guide for the Lucky 4 Life Lotto, Loaded 4 Life Lotto, and Minted 4 Life Lotto:
Lucky 4 Life Lotto
- Price to Play: £1.50 or 50p options.
- Top Prize: For £1.50, win £10,000 monthly for 30 years. For 50p, win £50,000 per year for 25 years or a £1,020,000 cash lump sum.
- Annuity Top Prize Value: £3.6m for the £1.50 play, £1.25m for the 50p play.
- Odds of Winning Top Prize: 1 in 15,339,390 for £1.50 play, 1 in 10,737,573 for 50p play.
- Overall Odds to Win Any Prize: 1 in 12.4 for £1.50 play, 1 in 7 for 50p play.
Loaded 4 Life Lotto
- Price to Play: £1.50 or £1 options.
- Top Prize: For £1.50, win £10,000 monthly for 30 years. For £1, win £100,000 per year for 35 years or a £2,630,000 cash lump sum.
- Annuity Top Prize Value: £3.6m for the £1.50 play, £3.5m for the £1 play.
- Odds of Winning Top Prize: 1 in 15,339,390 for £1.50 play, 1 in 13,983,816 for £1 play.
- Overall Odds to Win Any Prize: 1 in 12.4 for £1.50 play, 1 in 7 for £1 play.
Minted 4 Life Lotto
- Price to Play: £1.50 or £2 options.
- Top Prize: For £1.50, win £10,000 monthly for 30 years. For £2, win £1 million per year for 10 years or a £9,370,000 cash lump sum.
- Annuity Top Prize Value: £3.6m for the £1.50 play, £10m for the £2 play.
- Odds of Winning Top Prize: 1 in 15,339,390 for £1.50 play, 1 in 21,846,048 for £2 play.
- Overall Odds to Win Any Prize: 1 in 12.4 for £1.50 play, 1 in 6 for £2 play.
Each game offers a choice between a regular and a higher-value play, with varying top prizes and odds. The higher-value plays typically offer larger annuities or lump sums but have longer odds. The overall odds of winning any prize are more favorable in the higher-value plays. These cash-for-life lotto games are ideal for players seeking substantial long-term rewards with various winning chances.
6. Daily Million
Best Irish Lotto
DAILY WINS ONLINE!€1 Million
Draws Twice Daily 2:00pm and 9:00pm
Play from the UK
Play Irish Daily Million Online
£2.50 per ticket
In our guide focusing on lottery games with the best odds, the Irish Daily Million and Daily Million Plus lotteries are noteworthy for their enticing prize structures and odds of winning.
In the Daily Million, players target a fixed jackpot of €1 million, and the Daily Million Plus provides a €500,000 jackpot. A significant advantage of these online lottery draws is their fixed prize amounts, guaranteeing the jackpot in every draw without rollovers. When multiple players match all six numbers, they share the jackpot equally.
Odds of winning
The Daily Million provides seven different prize tiers, starting from matching just three main numbers. The prize tiers and odds in Daily Million are as follows:
- 6/6 numbers: €1,000,000 at odds of 1 in 3,262,623
- 5/6 numbers + Bonus: €10,000 at odds of 1 in 543,771
- 5/6 numbers: €500 at odds of 1 in 16,993
- 4/6 numbers + Bonus: €100 at odds of 1 in 6,797
- 4/6 numbers: €25 at odds of 1 in 439
- 3/6 numbers + Bonus: €10 at odds of 1 in 329
- 3/6 numbers: €3 at odds of 1 in 33
In Daily Million Plus, the odds are identical, but the prizes are different:
- 6/6 numbers: €500,000
- 5/6 numbers + Bonus: €5,000
- 5/6 numbers: €250
- 4/6 numbers + Bonus: €50
- 4/6 numbers: €15
- 3/6 numbers + Bonus: €5
- 3/6 numbers: €2 Scratch Card
The overall odds of winning a prize in Daily Million or Daily Million Plus are 1 in 28. However, when players opt for Daily Million Plus, these odds improve to 1 in 14, offering better chances of winning. It makes the Daily Million and Daily Million Plus attractive options for players seeking lotteries with better odds of winning.
In summary, these Irish lotteries offer a balanced mix. They combine achievable odds with substantial prizes. This makes them an appealing choice for UK players seeking the best online lottery.
7. Mega Millions
MEGA MILLIONS JACKPOT
MEGA PRIZE!$285
Million
£224M
Wednesday / Saturday 04:00 GMT
Play in the UK
FREE Bonus Ticket
on first ticket purchase
In the Mega Millions lottery, players face odds of 1 in 302,575,350 to win the jackpot—the chance of winning $1,000,000 stands at 1 in 12,607,306. For a $10,000 prize, the odds are 1 in 931,001. Players have a 1 in 38,792 chance of winning $500; the odds for winning $200 are 1 in 14,547. Smaller prizes of $10 have odds of 1 in 606 and 1 in 693, respectively. The chances of winning $4 are 1 in 89, and for the most minor prize of $2, the odds are 1 in 37. The chances of winning any prize in Mega Millions are 1 in 24.
8. Powerball
US Powerball Jackpot
POWER PRIZE!$145
Million
Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 03:59 GMT
Play from the UK
FREE Bonus Ticket
on first ticket purchase
When exploring lottery games with the best odds, the US Powerball often emerges as a topic of interest for its eye-catching jackpots. Understanding its odds is vital for UK players considering this American giant. The Powerball stands out with its staggering grand prize odds of 1 in 292,201,338.00. But what about other prize tiers?
Looking closer, the odds of winning $1 million are 1 in 11,688,053.52. It is a significant prize, yet challenging to secure. The odds improve slightly for a $50,000 win to 1 in 913,129.18. More modest prizes of $100 have odds of 1 in 36,525.17 and 1 in 14,494.11, offering more accessible yet challenging chances of winning.
Smaller winnings, such as $7, come with odds of 1 in 579.76 and 1 in 701.33, respectively. The smallest prizes, $4, have odds of 1 in 91.98 and 1 in 38.32, making them the most achievable.
The overall odds of winning any prize in the Powerball are 1 in 24.87. This figure is crucial for players weighing the Powerball against other lotteries. While the grand prize odds are daunting, the chance of winning something is relatively favourable.
9. Irish Lotto
The Irish Lotto is a thrilling lottery game from Ireland, known for its enticing jackpots and attractive odds. It captivates players with a unique blend of variable prizes based on the total Prize Fund, offering a dynamic gaming experience. With its combination of reasonable winning odds and the potential for significant payouts, the Irish Lotto stands out as an exciting choice for lottery enthusiasts seeking a mix of challenge and reward.
Prize Structure and Odds
Unlike many lotteries, the Irish Lotto offers variable prizes. The size of the Prize Fund determines the winnings, with each tier getting a percentage of this fund. The lottery then equally divides the prize among all winners in that tier. Matching two numbers plus the Bonus Ball is the only fixed prize, granting a free entry into Daily Million with Plus.
Odds and Average Prizes
- Match 6 (Jackpot): The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 10,737,573. The jackpot starts at a minimum of €2 million, with an average prize of around €4,773,239.77.
- Match 5 + Bonus Ball: The odds here are 1 in 1,789,596. Winners receive 5.37% of the Prize Fund, averaging €116,012.30.
- Match 5: With odds of 1 in 44,740, winners get 3.22% of the Prize Fund, amounting to an average of €1,728.90.
- Match 4 + Bonus Ball: The odds are 1 in 17,896, with an average prize of €167.14, constituting 0.81% of the Prize Fund.
- Match 4: At odds of 1 in 918, winners get 5.24% of the Prize Fund, averaging €52.25.
- Match 3 + Bonus Ball: With odds of 1 in 688, this tier offers 3.29% of the Prize Fund, with an average of €26.45.
- Match 3: Fairly common with odds of 1 in 54, this tier receives 15.93% of the Prize Fund, averaging €9.25.
- Match 2 + Bonus Ball: The odds are 1 in 72, with a fixed prize of a €3 Daily Million Quick Pick (with Daily Million Plus).
The Irish Lotto attracts UK players online with its lower odds and unique prize distribution. Prizes vary based on the Prize Fund, offering better odds than many large lotteries, especially in lower tiers. The structure, blending variable and fixed rewards, adds excitement and increases the appeal for those seeking balanced chances of winning with the potential for significant payouts. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 29.
10. German Lotto 6aus49
German 6aus49 Lotto Jackpot
£13.7
Million
Wednesday 5:25 PM / Saturday 6:25 PM GMT
Play in the UK
FREE Bonus Ticket
on first ticket purchase
Looking beyond the UK, the German Lotto 6aus49 emerges as a compelling option for players seeking an alternative draw. This lottery game offers a unique structure that combines traditional number matching with an additional Superzahl (S) number, enhancing winning possibilities.
In the top tier (I), players matching all 6 numbers plus the Superzahl share 12.80% of the prize. Their jackpot odds are 1 in 139,838,160. In tier II, the odds for matching 6 numbers are 1 in 15,537,573. Winners share 10% of the pool, with an estimated prize of €918,674.9.
The third tier (III) sees players matching 5 numbers plus the Superzahl, sharing 5% of the prize pool. The odds here are 1 in 542,008, with an estimated prize of €9,773.1. In the fourth tier (IV), matching 5 numbers offers a 15% share and an estimated prize of €2,858.9, with odds of 1 in 60,223.
Lower tiers
Moving to the lower tiers, matching 4 numbers plus the Superzahl (V) offers odds of 1 in 10,324, with a 5% share and an estimated prize of €175.1. For just 4 numbers (VI), the odds improve to 1 in 1,147, sharing 10% and winning an estimated €39.1.
In tier VII, matching 3 numbers plus the Superzahl offers a 10% share and an estimated prize of €19.3, with odds of 1 in 567. The eighth tier (VIII) rewards matching 3 numbers with a 45% share and an estimated €9.8, at odds of 1 in 63. Finally, for matching 2 numbers plus the Superzahl (IX), the prize is a fixed €5, with odds of 1 in 76.
The German Lotto 6aus49 offers a 1 in 31 chance of winning any prize. This makes it appealing for lottery fans, though it’s not the top choice. Its range of prize tiers and the Superzahl add a dynamic touch. This sets it apart from other online lottery games.
Which lottery has the best odds summary
To wrap up, We’ve guided you through the world of online lotteries, attempting to tackle the crucial question: ‘Which lottery has the best odds in the UK and the World?’ We’ve analysed some of the top games, from the lucrative Betfred Nifty Fifty to the towering jackpots of the US Powerball, unravelling the complexities of lottery odds and highlighting the most popular lotto options for UK players.
Together, we’ve looked at the odds of various lotteries at home and abroad to reveal where your winning chances are more likely. This guide has shown us that while some lotteries tempt with sky-high jackpots, others entice with better odds for smaller wins, perfect for those of us seeking a thrilling yet realistic chance of winning. There’s also the price, with ticket cost and betting value being key factors to consider.
WinLottoJackpot’s goal with this article has been to give you the knowledge to navigate some of the best online lottery games in the world and align them with the top deals from the best UK lotto sites. Whether the enormous prizes of international lotteries catch your eye or you lean towards the more favourable odds of local UK games, we hope this comprehensive list leads you to the best odds of winning a prize.