Lotto Pick & Play FAQs
Find out everything you need to know about Lotto Pick & Play with the answers to these frequently asked questions. See all the important details about the game, including how and where to play, and how much it costs to enter.
What is Lotto Pick & Play?
It’s a variation on the standard Lotto game and it allows you to choose how many numbers you want to try and match, as well as how much money you want to pay. You can also choose whether you want to try and match the winning numbers from the main Lotto draw, either of the Lotto Plus draws, or all three.
Are Lotto and Lotto Pick & Play the same thing?
Lotto Pick & Play is a completely separate game to Lotto and Lotto Plus, with different rules and prize structures, although it does use the winning numbers drawn in those games. Unlike Lotto Plus, Lotto Pick & Play can be played as a standalone game.
How much does it cost to play?
In Lotto Pick & Play you decide how much to spend on your numbers. You can choose to pay €1, €2, €3, €4, or €5, and the more you pay the bigger the potential prizes. Go to the Lotto Pick & Play Prizes and Odds page to see how winnings increase along with the entry cost.
Where can I buy Lotto Pick & Play tickets?
Tickets can be purchased from any official lottery retailer in Ireland.
What time does the Lotto Pick & Play draw take place?
The winning numbers for Lotto Pick & Play are taken from the main Lotto and Lotto Plus draws, which take place at around 7:55pm every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
How do you play Lotto Pick & Play?
Pick up a playslip and follow the steps below to play:
- Choose whether to play a six-number or seven-number game
- Pick whether to play your numbers in the Lotto, Lotto Plus 1, or Lotto Plus 2 draw, or all three
- Select how many numbers you want to try and match, between one and five
- Confirm your entry cost, from €1 to €5
- Pick your numbers between 1 and 45
- Pay for your entries
Lotto Pick & Play is a bit more complex than other Irish Lottery games, so if you need any further help, go to the How to Play page, which will tell you everything you need to know.
What’s the difference between a six-number and seven-number game?
In a six-number game you can match your numbers with the six main numbers in the draw you chose to play. In a seven-number game the Bonus Ball can also be used, giving you an extra number with which to match yours.
The odds of winning in a six-number game are longer but the prizes are also higher than in a seven-number game.
What are the odds of winning?
The odds differ depending on how many numbers you play and whether you play a six-number or seven-number game. In a six-number game, the odds of matching five numbers are 1 in 203,627 and in a seven-number game the odds of doing so are 1 in 58,179.
Do I have to match all the numbers to win?
Yes, you must match all the numbers you pick to win a prize. If you pick five numbers, for example, you do not win anything for matching four or fewer of them.
How do I check my numbers?
Go to the Lotto Pick & Play Results page to compare your numbers to the winning lines from recent Lotto and Lotto Plus draws.
How do I claim a prize?
Depending on how much you won, you can claim your prize from lottery retailers or from the National Lottery’s head office in Dublin. Go to the Claiming Prizes page to find out what you need to do to get hold of your winnings.
How long do I have to collect a prize?
All National Lottery prizes must be collected within 90 days of the winning draw taking place.
