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If you know anything about lotteries, you’ve most likely heard of the big American games like Powerball and Mega Millions. But did you know there are some equally impressive games from all around the world that turn players into millionaires every year? In this guide, we’ll explain what games are out there and how playing international lotteries can help you win big!
What Are International Lotteries?
Just as the US has powerhouse lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions, most countries in the world have their own popular regional and national games. Though Powerball holds the record for the biggest jackpot win in the world, many of these games’ jackpots are nothing to scoff at.
Like with the famous American lotteries, most international games have big prizes, easy formats, and lots of regular players.
Also like those aforementioned lottos, international games typically divide the profits between the prize pool and state-funded programs.
How Can I Play International Lotteries Online?
Just as there has been a big surge in online casinos in the last decade or so, there has also been a rise in online lottery websites.
These websites typically host the most popular international lottery games and allow players from all over the world the chance to win big. They operate in one of two ways: as online lottery agents or as lottery betting websites.
Lottery Agents
If a site functions as a lottery agent, that means they have representatives around the world who purchase tickets from official retailers on behalf of their players. Usually, these sites will provide players with scans of their official tickets and then claim all prizes on their behalf.
Lottery Betting Sites
Instead of selling actual tickets, lottery betting sites allow players to place bets on the outcome of a given draw. However, to the player, the process of placing a bet is about the same as buying a ticket—the player chooses numbers (or has their numbers chosen for them via Quick Pick) that they hope will win. These sites typically work with insurers to guarantee all prizes will be paid, instead of claiming the prize from the official retailer.
The cost of tickets on online lottery websites vary, with prices usually being a bit higher than if you were buying tickets from an official retailer in-country.
Whichever type of site you choose to play through, you’ll get access to the most popular lotteries from around the world—including those with the best jackpot odds, cheapest tickets, and more.
Best US Lotteries
The US has some of the most well-known lotteries, with jackpots routinely breaking international records. These are the most popular American lotteries:
Powerball
Biggest Jackpot: $1.586 billion
Minimum Jackpot: $40 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 292,201,338
Draws: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Ticket Price: $2 per line
Mega Millions
Biggest Jackpot: $1.53 billion
Minimum Jackpot: $40 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 302,575,350
Draws: Tuesday and Friday
Ticket Price: $2 per line
Best Canadian Lotteries
Though they might not be as well known as the games from their neighbor’s to the south, Canada has some impressive lotteries. Here are the most popular:
Canada Lotto Max
Biggest Jackpot: $70 million
Minimum Jackpot: $10 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 33,294,800
Draws: Tuesday and Friday
Ticket Price: $5 for three lines
Canada Lotto 6/49
Biggest Jackpot: $64 million
Minimum Jackpot: $5 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 13,983,816
Draws: Wednesday and Saturday
Ticket Price: $3 per line
Best Australian Lotteries
Australia has quite a few popular lotteries that are available nationwide. Here are the best ones:
Australia Powerball
Biggest Jackpot: $150 million
Minimum Jackpot: $3 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 134,490,400
Draws: Thursday
Ticket Price: $1.70 per line
Oz Lotto
Biggest Jackpot: $111 million
Minimum Jackpot: $2 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 45,379,620
Draws: Tuesday
Ticket Price: $1.10 per line
Best Japanese Lotteries
Lottery is very popular in Japan, and here is the most popular game:
Japan Loto 7
Biggest Jackpot: ¥1 billion
Minimum Jackpot: ¥600 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 10,295,472
Draws: Friday
Ticket Price: ¥300 per line
Best European Lotteries
Second only to the US, Europe has some of the biggest and most popular lotteries in the world. Here is a selection of the best:
EuroMillions
Biggest Jackpot: €220 million
Minimum Jackpot: €17 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 139,838,160
Draws: Tuesday and Friday
Ticket Price: €2.50 per line
Eurojackpot
Biggest Jackpot: €90 million
Minimum Jackpot: €10 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 95,344,200
Draws: Friday
Ticket Price: €2 per line
UK Lotto
Biggest Jackpot: £66 million
Minimum Jackpot: £2 million (Wednesday) and £3.8 million (Saturday)
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 45,057,474
Draws: Wednesday and Saturday
Ticket Price: £2 per line
Italy SuperEnalotto
Biggest Jackpot: €209.1 million
Minimum Jackpot: €2 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 622,614,630
Draws: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Ticket Price: €1 per line
Spanish La Primitiva
Biggest Jackpot: €101.7 million
Minimum Jackpot: €3 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 139,838,160
Draws: Thursday and Saturday
Ticket Price: €1 per line
Ireland Daily Million
Biggest Jackpot: €1 million
Minimum Jackpot: €1 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 3,262,623
Draws: Daily
Ticket Price: €1 per line
Italy MillionDAY
Biggest Jackpot: €1 million
Minimum Jackpot: €1 million
Jackpot Odds: 1 in 3,478,761
Draws: Daily
Ticket Price: €1 per line
Conclusion
If you want a chance to win big but are looking for more variety than what is available at home, then international lotteries are the way to go.