Lotteries exist in most countries around the world. But some of them stand out for their huge jackpots and global popularity. Today, the biggest and most famous lotteries are held in the US and Europe. Many of them are international in nature, which allows for the accumulation of even bigger super prizes. Let’s take a look at some of the world’s most famous lotteries.
1. Powerball
- Where it is held: USA.
- The record for the amount of winnings: $2.04 billion.
Powerball is the most famous lottery in the United States and is known far beyond its borders. It has been in existence since 1992. Currently, the drawing is conducted in the format of 5 out of 69 plus 1 out of 26. To win the grand prize, you must correctly guess five numbers out of 69 possible in one set and one number out of 26 possible in another. Tickets are available in 45 US states. In addition, Powerball is often played by residents of other countries, including through special intermediary online services.
The amount of the largest jackpot, which so far won in Powerball, is 2.04 billion dollars. Its owner became a resident of California Edwin Castro in the autumn of 2022. He would have received this amount in full if he had agreed to gradual payments – in the form of 30 annual instalments. By opting for a lump-sum payment of his winnings, Castro took an estimated $997.6 million before taxes. But either way, his winnings set a new record – both in U.S. lotteries and among drawings around the world.
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The odds of winning the Powerball super prize are 1 in 292,201,338
2. Mega Millions
- Where it is held: USA.
- The record for the amount of winnings: $1.58 billion.
Founded in 1996, the Mega Millions lottery, like Powerball, is one of the most popular lotteries in America. Starting jackpots start at $20 million, but regularly grow to record hundreds of millions.
The lottery format is 5 out of 70 + 1 out of 25. The largest win in Mega Millions history, totalling $1.58 billion, was won by a Florida resident in August 2023. In terms of a single payout, the prize totalled $783.3 million.
The probability of busting the Mega Millions jackpot is approximately 1: 302,575,350
3. EuroJackpot
- Where it takes place: Europe.
- Winning record: 120 million Euros.
The Eurojackpot lottery has been around since 2012. Today it is held in 19 European countries: Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, Norway, Netherlands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Slovakia.
The first draw was held on 23 March 2012. The draw is based on the formula 5 out of 50 plus 2 out of 12. The maximum possible lottery jackpot of 120 million euros has already been drawn 5 times – in July and November 2022, in June 2023, as well as in January and April 2024. While waiting for the next big draw, many players pass the time with must watch films that capture the thrill of chance and fortune. After all, the probability of taking the EuroJackpot top prize is approximately 1 in 139,838,160.
4. EuroMillions
- Where it’s held: Europe.
- The record for the amount won: 240 million euros.
The EuroMillions lottery was launched in February 2004 and quickly gained popularity. Like EuroJackpot, EuroMillions is international in nature. Initially the lottery was held only among the residents of Spain, Great Britain and France. But already in autumn 2004 the residents of Austria, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Portugal could also play EuroMillions. The formula of the lottery is similar to EuroJackpot: 5 out of 50 plus 2 out of 12.
In the summer of 2022, a UK lottery ticket holder won the biggest possible prize of 230 million euros at the time. Currently, the EuroMillions jackpot limit has been increased to 240 million euros. The winner of such a jackpot in December 2023 was a player from Austria.
The probability of winning the EuroMillions super prize is 1: 139,838,160
5. SuperEnaLotto
- Where it’s held: Italy.
- Record for the amount won: 371 million euros.
SuperEnalotto is one of Italy’s main national lotteries. It was founded in 1997 on the basis of the EnaLotto lottery, which has existed since the 1950s. The jackpots offered by this lottery are among the largest in the world. The SuperEnalotto jackpot periodically grows to huge sizes, as there is no limit on the amount of the main prize and the probability of winning it is one of the lowest in the world. This gives the lottery the opportunity to accumulate very large amounts of prize money over a long period of time.
The largest jackpot won in SuperEnalotto by a single ticket was over €209 million, won on 13 August 2019. In February 2023, a jackpot of over €371 million was played in SuperEnaLotto, but 90 people won the prize at once.
The probability of winning the SuperEnalotto jackpot is 1: 622,614,630.
6. La Primitiva
- Where it’s held: Spain.
- Record winning amount: 101 million euros.
The famous Spanish lottery La Primitiva, which is one of the oldest in the world, originated in 1763, during the reign of King Charles III. Initially it had a different name, and only in 1812 it became known as Loteria Primitiva. Fifty years after that the lottery was banned. Its modern version appeared only in 1985.
Now La Primitiva adheres to the traditional format: 6 out of 49 + 1 out of 10. The largest jackpot was recorded in October 2015, its amount was more than 101 million euros.
The probability of winning the La Primitiva jackpot is 1: 139,838,160.
7. El Gordo
- Where it is held: Spain
- Record for the amount won: €4.5 billion (Total prize pool)
El Gordo, often referred to as the Spanish Christmas Lottery, is one of the most famous and long-standing lotteries in the world, with its origins dating back to 1812. Held every year on December 22nd, El Gordo is unique for its enormous prize pool, with a staggering total of €4.5 billion shared across thousands of winners. What makes this lottery so special is its distribution method – the grand prize is not the only big reward, and many smaller prizes are spread throughout the draw, which means that a large number of players walk away with something. The anticipation leading up to this lottery is immense, and it’s seen as a major part of the Christmas tradition in Spain.
While the jackpot is huge, the odds of winning it are incredibly low. However, with a large number of secondary prizes available, players have a higher chance of winning something, making it an incredibly popular lottery for many. El Gordo has made headlines worldwide for its enormous prize pool and the sheer number of winners. It’s a lottery where dreams can come true, but also one that emphasizes the community aspect of winning, as many people across Spain share in the excitement.
The odds of winning El Gordo’s top prize: 1 in 100,000
8. UK National Lottery
- Where it is held: United Kingdom
- Record for the amount won: £170 million
The UK National Lottery has been a significant part of British culture since its inception in 1994. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, and the jackpots have reached some impressive sums. The largest jackpot in the history of the UK National Lottery was £170 million, claimed by an anonymous player. This lottery has several different games and draws, including the main Lotto draw, Thunderball, and EuroMillions, which is played across several European countries. The UK National Lottery is known for its ability to create instant millionaires, and it has helped fund various good causes in the UK as well.
In addition to the impressive jackpots, the UK National Lottery is also notable for its relatively high number of winners. Many players win smaller prizes, which adds to the overall excitement and appeal of the game. The lottery has become a household name, and its draw results are eagerly awaited each week. With multiple ways to play and significant prize pools, it’s no wonder the UK National Lottery continues to attract millions of players.
The odds of winning the UK National Lottery’s top prize: 1 in 45,057,474
9. La Primitiva
- Where it is held: Spain
- Record for the amount won: €101 million
La Primitiva is another lottery with deep historical roots, originating in Spain in 1763. This makes it one of the oldest lotteries still in existence today. The lottery is held twice a week, and it uses the format 6 out of 49 plus 1 out of 10, which means players must select six numbers from a pool of 49 and a supplementary number from a pool of 10. The large jackpot in La Primitiva has made headlines over the years, with the largest prize ever won being over €101 million in October 2015.
In addition to the jackpot, La Primitiva also offers secondary prizes for those who match fewer numbers. The odds of winning the grand prize are quite steep, but the large prize pool and multiple prize categories make it an exciting lottery to play. Over its long history, La Primitiva has become an integral part of Spanish culture, and the massive winnings associated with it only add to its allure. It’s a lottery that has transformed many lives with its monumental payouts.
The odds of winning the La Primitiva jackpot: 1 in 139,838,160