UK Lotto Review
The lotto is one of the most popular games played in the United Kingdom. The UK Lotto has a low ticket fee with different payouts available at varying tiers. The UK Lotto system has changed over the years, adapting into a very entertaining and enjoyable game.
How to Play UK Lotto
Playing the UK Lotto is an easy process. First, players must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include the following.
- Players must be at least 16 years of age.
- Tickets must be purchased at an approved retailer, either in person or online.
- Online ticket sales require that the player be a UK resident with a UK bank account.
- The winner must be the original buyer of the ticket, as UK Lottery tickets are not transferable.
In order to play the UK Lotto, players will choose six numbers between one and 59. Players can also opt for the “Lucky Dip,” which automatically generates a random set of numbers.
How to Play Online from India
UK Lotto players can now play their favorite lottery game online, even from India! In order to purchase a lottery ticket online, however, the player will first have to register with either a direct debit account or a loaded account. A direct debit account requires that the player connect their bank account with their saved lottery numbers. In this setup, if the player wins, they will be notified by email. Other options are to use a lottery agent from our top list below.
With a loaded account, players add money to their account ahead of time. The minimum amount to load is £10. If the player wins with a loaded account, the money is automatically transferred into the bank account.
Best UK LOTTO Online Lottery Agents
Drawing Time
UK Lotto drawings take place two times each week on every Wednesday and Saturday. Players can watch the drawing live on ITV with host Stephen Mulhern. During the live drawing, the host will draw six balls. A seventh, bonus ball may also be drawn and is only relevant to players who have matched at least five of the previous six balls drawn.
UK Lotto Ticket Cost
UK Lotto tickets start at just $2 per ticket. Players can purchase their tickets at a local store or online. If you purchase the ticket online, then you may be subject to handling fees. Tickets are available until 7:30 p.m. on the night of the drawing.
UK Lotto Jackpots Size
The exact payout of the UK Lotto depends on the number of tickets sold and if there were any payouts on previous drawings.
Minimum Jackpots & Jackpot Caps
The minimum jackpot available for the Wednesday drawing is set at £2 million and £3.8 million on Saturday. Both drawings are capped at five rollovers.
Biggest Jackpots
The UK Lotto has paid out significant winnings over the years.
The first payout of the UK Lotto occurred in 1995 to a pair of business partners who won on the UK Lotto’s first draw. The partners won £22.5 million. The biggest winner ever in UK Lotto history amounts to £66,070,646. Two winners split the winnings on Jan. 9, 2016. The largest number of winners to win in one drawing was 133 players which occurred in Jan. 1995. This is similar to the big jackpots from EuroMillions and SuperEna Lotto.
Payout Options
Taxes
UK Lotto winners will receive one payment that is not subject to taxes. However, 50 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales goes back into funding the UK Lotto program. The UK Government also takes 12 percent in the form of taxes. Another 28 percent goes to Parliament spending. The company that sells the ticket receives approximately 5 percent in commission. Another 5 percent goes to the Camelot. About 4.5 percent goes back into the program for operating expenses. The leftover 0.5 percent is considered profit.
UK Lotto Odds of Winning
The UK Lotto has six levels available for winning. If more than one person matches the winning numbers, then the payout is split between all winners.
The odds of winning vary depending on how many numbers are matched. The odds of winning are as follows:
- Six numbers: One in 45,057,473 with an average prize winner of £5,000,000.
- Five numbers and a bonus number: One in 7,509,578 with an average prize winner of £1,000,000.
- Five numbers and no bonus number: One in 144,414 with an average prize winner of £1,750.
- Four numbers: One in 2,179 with an average prize winner of £140.
- Three numbers: One in 95 with an average prize winner of £30.
- Two numbers: One in 9.3 with an average prize winner of £2 and a free lucky dip.
If no players match all of the six numbers, then the winning jackpot is rolled over to the next drawing. Winnings can roll over a maximum of five times until the payout is capped.
Is UK Lotto Legit or Scam?
The UK Lotto is a legitimate gambling game that has gained the attraction of millions of UK residents. In addition to this lottery being a form of entertainment, the proceeds from the UK Lotto program have helped many of the United Kingdom’s local charities. Since the UK Lotto was first formed in 1994, it has raised over £35 billion in funds for charitable organisations, including health, education, and heritage funds.
UK Lotto History
The UK Lotto, sometimes referred to as the National Lottery, dates back to 19 Nov. 1994. The first UK lottery drawing took place on Saturday, 19 Nov. 1994, at 7 p.m. There were only 49 tickets purchased for the first UK Lottery. Owned and operated by the Camelot Group, the UK Lotto is now regulated by the Gambling Commission.
UK Lotto studio for lottery draws
UK Lotto ticket sales declined in the early 2000s. In an attempt to increase public attention and interest in the program, the entire Lottery was redesigned and re-branded. The winning numbers were initially drawn using a Criterion model. The redesign changed it to a Smartplay Magnum I model. Today, there are between 15 and 45 million tickets sold for each drawing.
UK Lotto Review Conclusion
Although the odds of winning the large jackpot are limited, this is part of what makes the UK Lotto a fun game to play. Players can enter with just a couple of dollars, and if they hit the large jackpot, they can win a significant amount of money. Where to buy tickets? Check out our best online lotteries list, or go straight to Lotto247 or theLotter.
Best UK Lotto Agent 2019
UK Lotto FAQ
When does the UK Lotto drawing take place?
You can watch the UK Lotto drawing live each week on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.
How old do I have to be to play the UK lotto?
You must be at least 16 years of age to play the UK Lotto. However, if you live outside of the UK, then you must be at least 18 years of age to play.