Irish Lottery

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Irish Lottery Review

The Irish Lottery replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. It first consisted of "1 from 36" numbers only (NO bonus number). There have been two important changes since this first draw:

• On Saturday 22 August 1992 the format changed to include "1 from 39" numbers
  Also on Saturday 22 August 1992 the bonus number was first introduced.
• On Saturday 24 September 1994 the format changed to include "1 from 42" numbers.

You do not have to be resident in Ireland to play the game, all winnings are Tax-Free, and paid within 48 hours of the draw result being announced. The Irish Lottery has become probably the most popular lottery in Europe (mainly due to the reasons given in this paragraph). There are 6 ways of winning in the main draw:

• Match 6 Numbers - Jackpot
• Match 5 + Bonus
• Match 5
• Match 4 + Bonus
• Match 4
• Match 3 + Bonus

The size of the Jackpot is determined by the number of people who participate in each draw but there is a guaranteed minimum of 1.35 Million Euros. The jackpot is won by matching the six numbers drawn on Irish TV every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm. If it is not won, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing. Always double-check your numbers after each draw.