South African National Lottery: How to play the Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2

Playing the South African National Lottery is easy. There are various options available each week, including the Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2.

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LOTTO

Players buy tickets with their choice of six different numbers between 1 and 52.

There is provision for random numbers to be generated automatically for those who do not wish to choose, known as a Quick Pick.

When introduced, the Lotto jackpot draw required numbers from 1 to 49. Ithuba Holdings increased the number from 49 to 52 on 30 July 2017.

In the draw, six numbered balls are drawn without replacement from a set of 52 balls numbered from 1 to 52. A further Bonus Ball is also drawn, which only affects players who match five numbers.

Prizes are awarded to players who match at least three of the six drawn numbers, with prizes increasing for matching more of the drawn numbers.

All players who match all six drawn numbers win equal shares of the jackpot.

The chance of doing so is 1 in 20,358,520.

If four, five, or six balls are matched, the relevant prize is divided equally between all who match that many balls.

If no player matches all six numbers, the jackpot rolls over and is added to that of the next Lotto draw.

The entry fee to the Lotto draw is set at R5.00 per board.

The draw is conducted every Wednesday and Saturday on SABC 2 at 20:56 (SA time).

LOTTO PLUS 1

Lotto Plus 1 is exactly the same as Lotto, but gives the player a second chance to win.

When buying a Lotto ticket, players can pay an extra R2.50 per board to enter the Lotto Plus 1 draw.

Odds are the same, while prizes are usually slightly lower.

Lotto Plus 1 was introduced on 26 November 2003.

The draw is conducted every Wednesday and Saturday on SABC 2 at 20:56 (SA time).

LOTTO PLUS 2

Lotto Plus 2 is exactly the same as Lotto, but gives the player a third chance to win.

When buying a Lotto ticket, players can pay an extra R2.50 per board to enter the Lotto Plus 2 draw.

Odds are the same, while prizes are usually slightly lower.

Lotto Plus 2 was introduced on 30 July 2017.

The draw is conducted every Wednesday and Saturday on SABC 2 at 20:56 (SA time).

WHEN DO LOTTERY TICKET SALES CLOSE?

If you are buying tickets from a lottery outlet, they close at 20:30 on the day of a draw

ELIGIBILITY

Players must be 18 years or older

HOW TO PLAY THE LOTTO, LOTTO PLUS 1 AND LOTTO PLUS 2

Thanks to technology, players now have more freedom when it comes to buying lottery tickets. The introduction of lottery sites lets you play lotto online. With betting apps in South Africa you can play local and international lotteries on your phone, tablet, or desktop computer.