Change is coming!

Wednesday night’s (2nd September) Lotto draw will mark a historic moment for the game as the midweek draw will be the final time that numbers 46 and 47 will appear in the Lotto drum.

From Saturday 5th September, the game will enter a new era as the number of balls in play will reduce from 47 to 45.

Following Wednesday’s draw, tickets for the new game format will go on sale from 6am on Thursday 3rd September. Tickets can be purchased nationwide in-store, through the National Lottery app or www.lottery.ie ahead of the 7.45pm cut-off time for sales on Saturday evening.

A reminder of the BIG Changes coming to Lotto from Saturday 5th September.

As previously announced, the National Lottery's Lotto refresh will introduce a range of enhancements designed to improve players' chances of winning and create more Millionaires across the country. 

Less Balls. Better Odds. More Chances to Win.
From Saturday 5th September, the number of balls in play will reduce from 47 to 45, with numbers 46 and 47 officially retiring from the game.    This will improve the odds of winning across every prize tier in Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2. The odds of winning the Lotto Jackpot or top prize in each draw will improve from 1 in 10.7 Million to 1 in 8.1 Million.    From smaller prizes to the Jackpot, players will enjoy improved odds of winning across all prize tiers, in every draw. 

More Opportunities to Become a Millionaire.
As previously confirmed, the Lotto Plus 2 top prize will increase from €250,000 to €1 Million, creating even more opportunities to make new Millionaires.    The Lotto Plus 1 top prize will remain at €1 Million, meaning players who choose Lotto with Lotto Plus will have three opportunities to become a Millionaire in every Lotto draw. 

Three Draws Every Week. 
A new Monday draw will be introduced, the first of which will take place on Monday 7th September.    Lotto draws will take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, giving players three opportunities each week to play and win.    Each draw will continue to be livestreamed at 7:55pm on www.lottery.ie and broadcast before the RTÉ Nine O'Clock News on RTÉ One. 

No Change to Price.
There are no changes to the price to play either Lotto or the Lotto Plus games.     The minimum purchase will remain two lines at a cost of €4.  Similarly, it will continue to cost €6 to play two lines of Lotto with Lotto Plus, which includes both the Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 draws. 

National Lottery spokesperson Sarah Orr said: "Lotto is changing... and it all starts this week! Wednesday night's draw will mark the final appearance of balls 46 and 47 before they officially retire from the Lotto drum. With improved odds of winning, a boosted Lotto Plus 2 top prize and a brand-new Monday draw, there's plenty for players to look forward to. So, as we wave goodbye to 46 and 47, we're saying hello to bigger opportunities, more excitement and a brand-new chapter for Lotto!"

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, €7 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 39 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland. 

18+ Play National Lottery games responsibly, play for fun.