Irish Lottery Online: The Ultimate Guide to Lotto, EuroMillions & More
Last Updated: August 28, 2025. All draw schedules and game details were re-verified in August 2025.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Irish National Lottery. Whether you’re a long-time player or new to the game, this page provides everything you need to know about playing the Irish Lotto and other games like EuroMillions and Daily Million online. We’ll cover how to play, draw times, and where to buy tickets from licensed online vendors. Let’s find out how you can increase your chances of becoming Ireland’s next big winner.
Find Your Lottery Game Fast
Use our quick links to jump straight to the game you’re interested in:
How to Play the Irish Lotto
The Irish Lotto is the most popular game in the country, and playing it is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Check the Results: Wait for the draw! The main Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.
- Choose a Game: Decide if you want to play the main Lotto draw or add on Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2.
- Pick Your Numbers: Select 6 main numbers from 1 to 47. You can also choose the “Quick Pick” option to have the numbers randomly generated for you.
- Understand Your Bet: You can choose to bet on the main 6 balls or on the main 6 plus the bonus ball. Betting with the bonus ball is easier and therefore offers a slightly lower payout.
- Buy a Ticket: Purchase your ticket from a licensed retailer or online via the official National Lottery website or a reputable third-party vendor.
Draw Schedules & Prize Tiers
Knowing the draw times is crucial so you don’t miss out on checking your results.
Irish Lotto Draw
Draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:55 PM. The top prize is the jackpot, and prizes are also awarded for matching fewer numbers, down to 3 numbers plus the bonus ball.
EuroMillions Draw
Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 PM. This is a pan-European lottery with massive jackpots that can reach hundreds of millions of euro.
Daily Million
As the name suggests, draws are held twice a day, every day, at 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The top prize is €1 million, and the odds are better than the main Lotto.
Odds & Prize Structures: A Quick Comparison
Curious about your chances? Here’s a clear breakdown of the key statistics for Ireland’s most popular lotteries:
| Prize Tier | Numbers Matched | Irish Lotto Odds | EuroMillions Odds | Daily Million Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 6 + 0 | 1 in 10,737,573 | 1 in 139,838,160 | 1 in 3,262,623 |
| Match 5 + Bonus | 5 + 1 | 1 in 1,789,596 | N/A | N/A |
| Match 5 | 5 + 0 | 1 in 35,792 | 1 in 3,107,517 | 1 in 18,898 |
| Match 4 + Bonus | 4 + 1 | 1 in 14,484 | N/A | N/A |
| Match 4 | 4 + 0 | 1 in 707 | 1 in 14,124 | 1 in 603 |
| Match 3 + Bonus | 3 + 1 | 1 in 600 | N/A | N/A |
| Match 3 | 3 + 0 | 1 in 54 | 1 in 345 | 1 in 43 |
Expert Take: “For the biggest life-changing wins, EuroMillions is the one to chase. For the best value and most frequent chance at a big prize, Daily Million is my go-to.”
Expert Tips to Increase Your Chances
While lotteries are games of pure chance, there are a few expert-approved strategies to make your play smarter:
- Set a Budget: The most important tip. The lottery should be for fun. Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it, whether it’s €5 a week or €10 a month.go-to.”
- Join a Syndicate: By pooling your money with friends, family, or colleagues, you can buy more tickets and dramatically increase your odds of winning. Remember, a bigger syndicate means a smaller share, but winning a smaller share of a jackpot is better than winning none at all!
- Play Consistent Numbers: While it doesn’t change the odds, it’s a popular strategy. If you play the same numbers and they finally hit, you won’t have the regret of missing out.
- Avoid “Lucky” Dates: Many people choose numbers based on birthdays, which are limited to 1-31. To increase the chance of not sharing a prize, consider picking numbers over 31.
Which Lottery Should You Play?
Choosing a lottery depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it. Our expert, Gareth Keane, breaks it down:
- Choose the Irish Lotto if: You want a chance at a multi-million euro jackpot and prefer to play a game with a strong national identity.
- Choose EuroMillions if: You’re dreaming of a truly massive, life-changing sum. The odds are long, but the top prize is unbeatable.
- Choose Daily Million if: You’re looking for better odds and the chance to win a fixed €1 million jackpot twice a day, every day. It’s the perfect game for a small, regular flutter.
Where to Buy Irish Lottery Tickets Online
Playing online is the most convenient way to participate. The two main options are:
- Official National Lottery Website: The safest and most direct way to buy tickets. You’ll need to create an account and verify your age and Irish residency.
- Reputable Third-Party Providers: Some betting sites offer “Lottery Betting” where you bet on the results of a lottery draw, with the same payouts as if you had bought a physical ticket. These often have different bonuses and promotions.
Expert Tip: Always ensure you are playing on a licensed and secure platform. We recommend using the official site for peace of mind.
Best Online Lottery Betting Sites
For those interested in betting on lottery results, these reputable international sites offer a safe and convenient way to play:
BoyleSports
A leading Irish bookmaker offering a dedicated lottery betting section. You can bet on the Irish Lotto as well as dozens of international draws with flexible stakes. Known for their trusted brand and reliable payouts.
TheLotter
One of the world’s most popular online lottery messenger services. TheLotter buys official tickets on your behalf, so you’re playing the official draw. They offer tickets for the Irish Lotto, EuroMillions, and many other international lotteries.
Paddy Power
Another Irish betting giant with a strong reputation. Their platform offers a simple and user-friendly way to bet on the outcome of the Irish Lotto, with clear odds and a wide range of payment methods.
How to Claim Your Lottery Winnings
The process for claiming a prize depends on the amount you win:
- Up to €100: Can be claimed at any National Lottery retailer.
- Up to €2,500: Can be claimed at any Post Office in Ireland.
- €2,501 to €15,000: Can be claimed by post or at National Lottery Headquarters in Dublin.
- Over €15,000: Must be claimed in person at the National Lottery Headquarters. You will need to bring ID, and a dedicated team will assist you with the claims process.
Expert Insight: “For large jackpots, the National Lottery offers a full support service, including financial and legal advice, to help you manage your new wealth. You can also choose to remain anonymous.”
Ireland’s Biggest Lottery Winners
Winning the lottery is a life-changing event. Here are some of the most famous and inspiring stories from the Irish Lotto:
- The €18.9 million Syndicate: A syndicate of 32 quarry workers in Co. Dublin who split a record-breaking jackpot in 2007. offers a full support service, including financial and legal advice, to help you manage your new wealth. You can also choose to remain anonymous.”
- €19.06 million: The largest jackpot ever won on the Irish Lotto, claimed by a lucky syndicate from Castlebar, Co. Mayo in 2021.
- The Naul Family Syndicate: A family from North Dublin who won an incredible €175 million on the EuroMillions in 2019, making them the biggest winners in Irish history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Irish Lottery
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What is the minimum age to play the Irish Lotto?
The minimum age to purchase a lottery ticket or bet on a lottery in Ireland is 18 years old. This is a legal requirement for all gambling activities in the country.
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What happens if I win the jackpot?
If you win a large prize, the National Lottery will arrange a secure meeting at their headquarters in Dublin to verify your ticket and provide advice on financial planning. You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish.
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Are online lottery winnings taxed in Ireland?
No. All winnings from the Irish National Lottery are tax-free in Ireland. This applies to jackpots and all smaller prizes.
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How do I get my prize from an online betting site?
Prizes from online lottery betting sites are typically paid directly into your account on the site. You can then withdraw the funds using one of their supported payment methods, such as PayPal or bank transfer.
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What are the accepted payment methods for buying tickets online?
Most reputable online lottery sites accept a wide range of payment methods, including debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and bank transfers.
For more expert guides, check out our pages on online roulette and online bingo.
Play Smart. Play Responsibly.
Gambling can be addictive. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help. We recommend setting deposit limits, loss limits, and time outs on your account. For free and confidential support in Ireland, contact:
GambleAware.ie | Freephone: 1800 853 853
ProblemGambling.ie | Helpline: 089 241 5401
For a free self-help tool, you can also check out The Stop Gambling App by Extern.