Irish Lotto Guide
How to Bet On Irish Lotto Online from NZ!
THE IRISH LOTTO GUIDE: HOW TO BET ONLINE FROM NEW ZEALAND
- A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE IRISH LOTTO
- ODDS OF WINNING THE IRISH LOTTO
- MOST COMMON IRISH LOTTO NUMBERS
- HOW TO BET ON THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
- STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PLACING YOUR BET
- TIPS FOR WINNING THE IRISH LOTTO
- TRY YOUR LUCK TODAY!
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE IRISH LOTTO
Launched in 1988, the Irish Lotto has become a cultural staple in Ireland and is globally recognised as one of the easiest lotteries to win. Originally a 6/36 draw held every Saturday night, the Irish Lotto added a Wednesday draw in 1990, giving players more chances to win.
The lottery evolved significantly over the years, especially after a well-known 1992 incident when a Dubliner named Stefan Klincewicz “hacked” the system. Klincewicz, an accountant, planned to buy enough tickets to guarantee a jackpot win when the prize fund was high enough. His syndicate's success prompted a change in the game’s format, increasing the pool to 6/39, and eventually 6/47 in 2015.
These changes made the game more challenging but also boosted the prize pool, with the biggest jackpot to date being €18.9 million won by a syndicate in 2008 — that’s over $33.5 million NZD! While that record still stands, the format introduced in 2015 is expected to pave the way for a record-breaking payout in the future.
The Irish Lotto has also made its way into popular culture, particularly in the 1998 film Waking Ned, which tells the comedic story of a village trying to claim the prize of a deceased lotto winner. If you enjoy cheeky Irish humour, it’s a must-watch!
ODDS OF WINNING THE IRISH LOTTO
The Irish Lotto is hugely popular in Ireland, but its appeal extends far beyond — including here in New Zealand. Whether it's Irish heritage, favourable odds, or the thrill of the game, Kiwis love taking a punt on the Irish Lotto. Here's how the odds stack up:
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|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Odds of Winning | Estimated Payout | |
| 6 Numbers | 1 in 10,737,573 | Top Payout €2 Million minimum |
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| 5 Numbers + Bonus Number | 1 in 1,789,596 | €100,000 | |
| 5 Numbers | 1 in 44,740 | €1,500 | |
| 4 Numbers + Bonus Number | 1 in 17,896 | €150 | |
| 4 Numbers | 1 in 918 | €50 | |
| 3 Numbers + Bonus Number | 1 in 688 | €50 | |
| 3 Numbers | 1 in 54 | €9 | |
| 2 Numbers + Bonus Number | 1 in 72 | €3 | |
With the Irish Lotto, your odds of winning the top prize are just 1 in 10,737,573! Compare that to some other major lotteries and you’ll see why this one is so popular. Even our own local lottos offer significantly longer odds — and often with smaller jackpots! Check out the table below to see how the Irish Lotto compares to the rest of the world.
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Irish Lotto Vs The World!
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in 10,737,573 | |||
| 1 in 19,068,840 | |||
| 1 in 20,358,520 | |||
| 1 in 42,375,200 | |||
| 1 in 302,575,350 | |||
MOST COMMON IRISH LOTTO NUMBERS*
Since its first draw in 1988, there have been thousands of Irish Lotto draws. The most frequently drawn numbers are: 27, 2, 9, 32, 7, and 10. On the flip side, the numbers least often drawn include: 46, 47, 43, 44, 45, and 41.
Keep in mind that the format has changed over the years — starting as a 6/36 draw and evolving to a 6/47 in 2015. Naturally, the higher numbers haven't appeared as often overall due to the later expansion.
HOW TO BET ON THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
It’s easy to bet on the Irish Lotto from New Zealand. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Numbers: Pick six numbers from 1 to 47. To hit the jackpot, all six must match the winning numbers.
- Entry Costs: Play the main draw for just $3.50. You can also enter Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 for an additional $2.
- Draw Schedule: Draws take place every Thursday and Sunday NZT (Wednesday and Saturday Irish time), giving you two chances a week to strike it lucky.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PLACING YOUR BET
Follow these simple steps to place your Irish Lotto bet online from New Zealand:
- Log in to your Lottoland account.
- Go to the Irish Lotto page.
- Select six numbers manually, or use the Quick+1 option for a random pick — all for $3.50.
- Optionally, enter Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 for an additional $2
- Click 'Submit' and top up your account if needed.
- If you win, your account will be credited automatically.
TIPS FOR WINNING THE IRISH LOTTO
One reason the Irish Lotto is so appealing is that it’s easy to play — simply pick six numbers between 1 and 47, or use Quick+1 for a fast selection. Then hit Submit and cross your fingers. Match all six to win the jackpot, or pick up prizes in one of eight other tiers by matching fewer numbers.
So for just $5.50, you’ll get three chances to win big on the lucky Irish Lotto!
TRY YOUR LUCK TODAY!
With everything you need to know right here, you’re ready to make your first Irish Lotto bet. Go on, give it a go — maybe the luck of the Irish is waiting for you in New Zealand!
*These numbers are correct as of 7 November 2024, and include all draws since 1988 up to that date.
Last Updated 31 March 2025
