Would you like to find out more about the best lotto games that are played around the globe? Welcome to the club! I am a chef, and just like you, I was wondering the same thing a few years ago.
After that, I’ve done research and came up with a list of 11 best and biggest lotto games from around the world. There’s no doubt that playing lotto is fun and relaxing activity which gives you a chance to win great prizes.
If you are interested in playing online lotto games and you are new in this field, then you should rely on my advice. I’ve designed a list which features the biggest lotto games with the most exciting gameplay. I am analyzing 11 of these games which you can play on the most popular lotto sites.
- Find out more about the lotto games with the biggest prizes
- Learn facts about the best lotto games out there
- Get the most from each of these games
The lotto games I have listed here are the favorite games of thousands of players across the world. Some of them are present for a long time while others are relatively new. In any case, I am sure that the list of lotto games that I’ve prepared will help you find more than one game that you’ll find attractive.
1. Lucky for Life
Introduced: 2009
Country: USA
Owned by: The Connecticut Lottery
Biggest prize: $5.75 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: their official drawing webcast
Lucky For Life is one of the most played and biggest lotto games in the United States. Players from 25 states in the US can play this game. In addition, residents of the District of Columbia can participate in this game too. Lucky For Life was introduced back in 2009. It was known as Lucky-4-Life in the beginning.
The reason why Lucky For Life is one of the most inventive lotto games out there s that every winner can decide the type of prize they want to receive. First of all, they can get $1000 a day forever (until they die). Second, they can choose a single prize that will be paid out at once. Since 2013, players can also choose to get $25.000 annually.
If you want to win the jackpot prize and see why this is one of the best lotto games, then you must get five white balls (out of 48 balls) as well as one ball out of eighteen balls known as lucky balls. You can watch the drawing every Monday and Thursday on their live webcast on YouTube. Purchasing tickets for this lotto game is easy because you can find them in hundreds of stores in 25 states and on the Internet on popular lotto sites.
Facts about Lucky For Life
- It’s a US-based lotto game
- It was founded in 2009
- You can win multimillion jackpots
Pros
- A chance to choose from two different payout options
- You can play twice a week
- You can purchase tickets online and offline
Cons
- It’s not available in all US states
2. Mega-Sena
Introduced: 1996
Country: Brazil
Owned by: The Caixa Economica Federal Bank
Biggest prize: $95.5 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: RedeTV
There’s no doubt that Mega-Sena is by far the most played lottery game in Brazil. This lotto game was introduced over 20 years ago in 1996 and it’s operated by a Brazilian federal bank. Players can watch the drawing on Wednesday and Saturday on the national RedeTV. What makes Mega-Sena one of the best lotto games is that it has already provided a few gigantic jackpots.
This is the reason why so many Brazilians and other people are buying tickets for this game.
You won’t have any problem learning how to play this game. You have to bet on at least six and up to fifteen numbers. The total amount of balls found here is 60. If you are using a minimal bet you have very slim chances of winning – one in 50 million.
Yet, the jackpot is huge and it’s worth giving a shot. In Brazil, many players are creating teams that consist of family members, friends, and coworkers so they can improve the odds of winning the main prize. Finally, the good thing is that around 50% of the money that the operator gets from this game is redirected to social projects.
Facts about Mega-Sena
- The best lotto game in Brazil
- Present on the market for over 20 years
- A game with a simple gameplay
Pros
- Some of the best jackpots in the world
- You can play with a different number of bets
- You can create teams of fellow players to increase the chances of winning
Cons
- The chances of winning are one in fifty million
3. Mega Millions
Introduced: 2002
Country: USA
Owned by: The Illinois Lottery
Biggest prize: $1.537 billion
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: WSB-TV
Older lotto players might remember this game as The Big Game or even as The Big Game Mega Millions, but today the official name of this game is Mega Millions. It all started back in 2002 when Mega Millions was played in six states. Nowadays, this is one of the most popular lotto games in the United States which is played in 44 states and 2 territories.
This is one of the best lotto games with simple gameplay. If you want to win the main prize (the jackpot), you must get five out of 70 balls as well as an extra ball which is drawn from another bowl with 25 balls. You can watch live drawing every Tuesday and Saturday on WSB-TV.
Mega Millions is one of the largest lotto games in the world. You can find it on many lotto sites and in thousands of land-based stores across America. Every now and then, the game includes some modifications, but the essence is the same – you have to hit a certain number of balls to get a prize.
Facts about Mega Millions
- One of the best lotto games in the United States
- Introduced in 2002
- It comes with an impressive prize pool
Pros
- One of the highest jackpot prizes I have seen
- You can play twice a week
- Available both online and offline
Cons
- It’s played only in the United States
4. Eurojackpot
Introduced: 2012
Country: The European Union
Owned by: The national lotteries of a few European countries
Biggest prize: $110 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: YouTube
It turns out that Europeans have access to a wide range of attractive lotto games. For many players, Eurojackpot is one of the best lotto games not only in Europe but in the world too. It was established in 2012 as a response to EuroMillions. Keep in mind that this lotto game can be played by nationals of a few European countries, 18 countries to be more precise.
Some of these countries include Spain, Sweden, Germany, and Italy. It seems that Eurojackpot enjoys the highest popularity in Germany. If you want to get the jackpot prize here, you must get five regular numbers (out of 50) and 2 extra numbers out of ten. The good thing is that there are 12 different levels of prizes.
The only downside here is that you can play this game just once a week (every Friday). This lottery has paid out six jackpot prizes so far. Players can buy tickets on many lotto sites, but it’s much smarter to stick to officially recognized sites that sell tickets for Eurojackpot. Do some research before using any of these sites.
Facts about Eurojackpot
- One of the biggest lotto games in Europe
- Available only to nationals of specific European countries
- Founded in 2012
Pros
- Relatively big jackpots
- A game which has twelve levels of prizes
- You can buy tickets on many lotto sites
Cons
- You can play this game just once a week
5. Powerball
Introduced: 1992
Country: USA
Owned by: The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Biggest prize: $1.586 billion
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: WSB-TV, KDKA Channel 2, WTAE Channel 4, etc.
Even people who are not playing lotto games have heard about Powerball. This is one of the biggest lotto games in the world. In fact, some experts say that Powerball has contributed to the increased interest in lotto games in many people. Powerball is available to residents of 44 states (USA).
Just like most games of this type, this one comes with simple rules that are easy to master. There are a few channels where you can watch live draws every Saturday and Wednesday. To win the Powerball, you must hit the correct five numbers (out of 69 white balls) and an additional number from 26 red Powerball.
The good thing is that there are nine different ways to get a prize in Powerball. You can find Powerball tickets on many lotto sites. On the other hand, purchasing tickets through the official Powerball site is not possible.
Facts about Powerball
- A globally popular lotto game
- Established in 1992
- Available in 44 states across the USA
Pros
- One of the biggest jackpots
- More than one way to win a prize
- You can play two times a week
Cons
- A lot of competition
6. SuperEnalotto
Introduced: 1997
Country: Italy
Owned by: Sisal Limited
Biggest prize: $248 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: Webcast
The country known for its remarkable cuisine is also the country of one of the most played and biggest lotto games. SuperEnalotto is a lotto game from Italy which was introduced in 1997. This game is based on another lotto game which was established in the 1950s (Enalotto).
Unlike most lotto games, this one comes with three weekly draws – Saturday, Thursday and Tuesday. When it comes to odds, this one is not a game with the best odds. As expected, the basic objective of SuperEnalotto is to get 6 correct numbers out of 90. In case you have all the numbers on the card, you will hit the jackpot prize.
The game comes with an extra (so-called jolly) number. Thanks to this number you can make other winning combinations which are less valuable than the jackpot. In the last ten years, SuperEnalotto players have won two jackpots that were worth over 200 million dollars.
Facts about SuperEnalotto
- A simple Italian lotto game
- A 6 out of 90 lotto game
- Introduced in 1997
Pros
- Multiple prizes
- You can play this game three times a week
- A huge jackpot
Cons
- Relatively low odds
7. EuroMillions
Introduced: 2004
Country: Spain, the United Kingdom, France
Owned by: Loterias y Apuestas del Estado (Spain), Camelot (UK), and Francaise des Jeux (France)
Biggest prize: $260 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: YouTube, webcast and a few national European TV stations
When EuroMillions was established back in 2014, it became an instant hit in Spain, France, and the UK. In 2019, players from 19 different European countries and autonomous territories can play this interesting lotto game. You don’t have to learn many things before you start playing EuroMillions.
Mastering this game is easy. For starters, you must choose 5 main numbers (there are a total of 50 numbers). Next, you must select 2 so-called lucky star numbers (there are 12 numbers like this). Only if you hit seven correct numbers you can expect the jackpot prize. There’s a live drawing session broadcasted online and on European TV stations every Tuesday and Friday.
After a brief research, you will find out that there are many lotto sites where you can purchase tickets for this game. Finally, let’s point out that EuroMillions has provided some of the highest jackpots in the history of European lotto games.
Facts about EuroMillions
- A lotto game available in 13 European countries
- It’s a simple game
- You can win different prizes
Pros
- A very big jackpot
- You can purchase tickets on many lotto sites
- It’s available twice a week
Cons
- People out of Europe can’t play this game
8. Oz Lotto
Introduced: 1994
Country: Australia
Owned by: Tatts Group
Biggest prize: $111 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: 7TWO
The land down under has a few lotto games that deserve your attention. One of the best lotto games you can play there is Oz Lotto. This is a national game which was established in 1994. With 25 years of experience, the owners of this game managed to gain thousands of fans. Before this game, people from different states were playing state-managed lotto games.
When it comes to the gameplay, in order to win the jackpot prize, you must hit 7 correct numbers out of 45 numbers. What’s great is that you can get one of the seven different tiers of prizes. Even combinations with fewer correct numbers will provide prizes.
You will have to wait for Tuesday to find the results because this game is organized once a week. Remember that even if you are not an Australian citizen, you can still play this game with the help of Internet-based concierge services that can get your tickets.
Facts about Oz Lotto
- The first national lotto game in Australia
- Lotto game with excellent jackpot prizes
- Played since 1994
Pros
- There are a few different prizes in this game
- You can purchase tickets online
- You can play even if you are not in Australia
Cons
- There are draws just once a week
9. Lotto (South Africa)
Introduced: 2000
Country: South Africa
Owned by: ITHUBA Holdings
Biggest prize: $8.2 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: SABC2
As I’ve said before, lotto games are popular around the world and Africa is no exception. People in South Africa can play eight different lotto games and the one that is organized by ITHUBA Holdings is among the most popular and best lotto games there. It was established in 2000 and people have won a few jackpots since then.
As for the mechanics of this game, you should not expect anything special. Every player has to buy a ticket in a store or online and wait for the draw which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Players must hit six numbers (out of 52). You can pick the numbers manually or leave the generator to do this automatically.
Besides the standard balls, you can find a bonus ball. Don’t forget that the prizes are shared between multiple players that will hit at least three numbers. In case there’s no jackpot winner, the sum is added to the next round.
Facts about Lotto (South Africa)
- The most popular lotto game in South Africa
- You can buy tickets online and in land-based stores
- The game has awarded a few jackpots since 2000
Pros
- Relatively big jackpots
- You can win different prizes
- You can play two times a week
Cons
- In many cases, you have to share the rewards
10. Vikinglotto
Introduced: 1991
Country: EU
Owned by: The national lotteries of a few countries in Europe
Biggest prize: $50.5 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: National and local TV stations in participating countries
Vikinglotto or Vikingalotto (Iceland) and Onsdags Lotto (Denmark), is a trending lotto game which is one of the favorite games in Scandinavian countries. Introduced in 1991, this lotto game is organized by nine countries from Europe including Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway.
This time, there’s a live draw every Wednesday. Players are free to purchase tickets in verified physical stores or online. There were a few modifications of this game in the past. Nowadays, in order to get the jackpot prize in Vikinglotto, you must hit 6 main numbers (out of 48) and one additional number (so-called Viking number) out of 8 extra numbers.
There are two levels of main prizes. Each country has specific rules regarding smaller prizes. What makes Vikinglotto one of the best lotto games in Europe is their ability to adjust the gameplay to the needs of modern lotto players.
Facts about Vikinglotto
- A fast-growing lotto game
- Established in 1991
- Popular among Scandinavian players
Pros
- Solid jackpot wins
- A few different prizes
- Improvements introduced all the time
Cons
- Draws take place once a week
11. Lotto Max
Introduced: 2009
Country: Canada
Owned by: The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation
Biggest prize: $45.6 million
Different types of payouts: Yes
Shown on: YouTube
I will end this list of best and biggest lotto games from around the world with a lotto game that comes from Canada. Lotto Max is the most popular national lotto game in Canada. There are three national games like this in Canada. It all started in 2009 when Lotto Max was revealed and in the next years, the operators have included a few modifications to make the game more interesting.
What’s known for sure is that the jackpot prizes and the prize pool, in general, are increasing. Of course, the popularity of this game has contributed to the size of the prize pool. When it comes to the gameplay, you must hit 7 correct numbers (out of 49). There’s an initial jackpot prize which is worth $7.6 million.
In case this lotto game doesn’t provide a jackpot prize to a player until it reaches $50 million, the so-called auxiliary MaxMillions prizes are activated. These prizes are worth $760.000. Hitting 6 numbers and one bonus numbers will get you at least 3.15% of the prize pool. If you get three correct numbers you will get a free ticket.
Facts about Lotto Max
- A national lotto game that comes from Canada
- It was established in 2009
- This game can be played anywhere in Canada
Pros
- A relatively high jackpot prize
- The jackpot prize is separated into smaller prizes if no one hits the jackpot when it gets to $50 million
- A few different prizes
Cons
- None that I can think of
