Lotto France is operated by La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and is popular with locals because it simply offers a better deal than its European cousin EuroMillions. Drawings take place three times a week – on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday – and the jackpot starts at a minimum of €2 million. Each time there is no winner, it increases by €1 million.
The Basics of Lotto France
The main advantage of this game is the winning odds – and they are excellent:
- You choose 5 main numbers from a pool of 1 to 49.
- You choose 1 Lucky Number from a pool of 1 to 10.
The Secret Tip for Winning Odds
The chance of hitting the jackpot is only 1 in 19 million. That’s seven times better than EuroMillions (1 in 140 million).
The overall chance of winning any prize is about 1 in 6. That’s an exceptionally good ratio for a lottery game.
The 34-Rollover Rule
Like other European lotteries, there are limits here too – but the system is designed to create winners:
- The jackpot can be rolled over a maximum of 34 times.
- If after the 34th draw no one hits all five numbers plus the Lucky Number, the entire jackpot is distributed to the next lower prize tier.
- This creates huge payouts for players who hit only 5 numbers or even 4 plus the Lucky Number. The system ensures fast and fair prize distribution.
Two Bonuses That Make Lotto France Irresistible
Here the French lottery stands out from the crowd:
- €20,000 Raffle Bonus
Every time you buy a ticket, you automatically enter a separate raffle. In each draw (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday), 10 different codes win €20,000 each. You get an extra chance to win without doing anything extra. - Tax-Free Winnings
Like in the UK, all lottery winnings in France are currently tax-free upon payout. That means whatever is on the ticket is yours – no forms, no deductions. A huge advantage!
International Players
Since you can’t just buy a ticket in France, use international online concierge services. Through their platform, select your numbers (5 of 49, 1 of 10), and the service ensures your participation in the official FDJ draw. This is the only way to take advantage of the attractive 1-in-19-million odds.
Tip: Play for Fun
Lotto France offers excellent value – but it’s still gambling. The high frequency (three draws per week) can be tempting, so set a budget and stick to it. If you find yourself chasing the Lucky Number too much, check the free and neutral resources at Gambling6.com.
Lotto France is the lottery for smart players in Europe. It offers solid base prizes, fast-growing jackpots, excellent winning odds, and a guarantee of tax-free payouts – either via the draw or the rollover rule. A truly attractive game!
