How to Play Greece Lotto
All across Europe, countries host exciting lotteries that’s worth getting to know more about. Perhaps you already know how to play EuroMillions with its huge main prize, but don’t underestimate the value of smaller lotteries like Greece Lotto. It’s an exciting game and although the prize money is less than well-known games like US Powerball, you’ll love the favourable odds!
And we tell you exactly how to make the most of this game!
We’ve compiled some step-be-step guidelines on playing the lottery, whether you’re in Greece or elsewhere in the world. You can be a pro in no time.
In a Hurry?
To get you started, use this general overview that contains all the most important information on Greece Lotto.
| Numbers to win the jackpot | 6 |
|---|---|
| Jackpot type | Rollover |
| Number range | 1-49 |
| Prize categories | 5 |
| Draw days | Wednesday, Saturday |
| Draw time (SA Time) | 9 pm (April – October) 10 pm (Nov – March) |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Claim period | 3 months |
| Jackpot odds | 1:13,983,816 |
| Biggest Jackpot | €7,5 million (~ZAR 142.5 million) (Update: October 2023) |
Greece Lotto Basics and Rules
If you don’t yet know how to play lotteries like Lotto, don’t let it put you off from trying out Greece Lotto. It has a very simple game setup that also results in great odds, so it’s an ideal game for newbies. And experienced players can practise lottery strategies, such as using Greece Lotto hot and cold numbers to increase your chances of winning big next time.
Therefore, the following details on rules, game structure and more will be valuable for any type of player.
Playing Greece Lotto
For players’ protection and to abide by lottery laws, the official operator in Greece, OPAP, has strict rules in place. You can also play online with lottery sites if they offer the game.
Remember, it’s best to choose an operator or platform that prioritises strict rules, as this proves they value their players’ privacy and security. Also, use pricing guidelines to plan your lottery budget.
| Feature | Rules | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age to play | 18 |
|
| Ticket costs | 1 Ticket costs €0.50 from the official operator | Online lottery sites charge service fees on top of ticket rates. |
Rules and Structure
Greece Lotto is even easier to understand than the country’s other popular game called Greece Powerball. Scan the facts below and then you’ll be ready to start playing your lucky numbers or use a Greece Lotto number generator to simplify creating those first tickets.
Understanding the Greece Lotto Structure
The great odds and use-friendly game play are all thanks to this game structure:
- 1 – 49 number range: There is only one set of numbers you need to pick from, which is different from games like Mega Millions that incorporate multiple number grids when you select numbers.
- Six numbers to pick: Each ticket requires you to pick six numbers from the 1-49 number range.
- Six numbers to win: The only way to win the main prize is when all six your numbers match the winning numbers.
- Seven numbers drawn: During the draw, operators draw a total of seven numbers. This seventh number comes from the same set of numbers (1 – 49), but it’s simply used as a method of increasing players’ chances to win a prize. It’s taken into account for the second prize tier only and does not play a role for the jackpot win.
Drawings and Prizes
Apart from great odds, players also enjoy playing Greece Lotto because you have more than one chance a week to become rich. Draws take place:
- Wednesdays and Saturdays
- 10 pm in Greece
- 9 pm in South Africa from April to October and 10 pm during the rest of the year
The difference in time slot for South Africans is because Greece is one of the countries that implement Daylight Savings time for part of the year.
You may not get as rich with Greece Lotto as you would winning a EuroMillions jackpot, but it’s still a lot of money that could end up in your pocket. Also, jackpots grow quickly because of multiple draws each week.
Many players also appreciate the set prize money for various tiers, which is very different to some of the world’s well-known lotteries that base prizes on ticket sales. Therefore, if you do fall into a prize tier for Greece Lotto, you’ll know exactly how much money is coming your way.
The basic rules regarding Greece Lotto prizes are as follows:
- Tier 2 and lower all have set prizes allocated to them.
- The jackpot is the only prize for which pari-mutuel rules apply. Therefore, the prize grows over time and should you win this prize with one or more other lucky ticket holders, you’ll share the available prize money.
- When someone wins the jackpot, the amount reverts to its starting size. This is €300,000 (~ZAR5.7 million).
- The rules don’t stipulate any maximum amount of the jackpot, so it can keep on growing until it’s won.
- The operator doesn’t limit the number of times the jackpot can roll over.
- The seventh number – Bonus Number – is taken into consideration for Tier 2 only.
- You can win a prize even if you only guessed three numbers correctly.
For a visual representation of the prize rules and a quick reference to see how much you’ve won, use our table:
| Tier | General Numbers | Bonus Number | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | n/a | Jackpot |
| 2 | 5 | 1 | €50,000 (~ZAR 950,000) |
| 3 | 5 | n/a | €1,500 (~ZAR 28,500) |
| 4 | 4 | n/a | €30 (~ZAR 570) |
| 5 | 3 | n/a | €1,50 (~ZAR 28,50) |
Once you’ve confirmed how much you’ve won, follow the necessary claims processes where applicable. Your next steps will depend on how you chose to play Greece Lotto.
| Method of Play | Claiming a prize |
|---|---|
| Brick and mortar outlets in Greece, affiliated with OPAP | Claim at OPAP stores, banks or an OPAP office. |
| OPAP app or website | Check results via the online services. You may still need to claim prizes at OPAP offices. |
| Online lottery sites | Enjoy the convenience of automatic payments, but always ensure you get all monies due to you. |
How to Buy a Greece Lotto Ticket
If you already know how to play games like US Powerball, you’ll see Greece Lotto has many similar traits. This will make you feel comfortable playing, but still plan well so you never miss a cut off time. And remember to always play responsibly.
| Where and how you play Greece Lotto | Ticket Price | Cut Off Times | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPAP retail outlet | €0.50 | Check store times | Citizens and tourists can buy tickets |
| OPAP app or website | €0.50 | 20:30 on day of draw | Players can’t access the service from outside Greece. |
| Online lottery sites | All vendors’ pricing differ | Check for countdowns or review policies |
Source: Lotto Agent
The best option to play Greece Lotto depends on where you are and your personal preferences. While some enjoy going to the local store to buy a ticket, others enjoy the convenience of online lottery sites like theLotter, that offers access to the world’s lotteries in one place. And you can use these online vendors whether you’re at home or on the go.
No matter your preferred option, we have some step-by-step guidelines to get you started:
- OPAP app
- OPAP website
- Online lottery sites
- OPAP retail outlets
How to Play Greece Lotto Online
Getting the most out of your online lottery playing may require a bit of research at first, but once you get going you’ll see it’s worth it. For example, spend some time comparing lottery sites and identify the ones with all your favourite games, from Mega Millions to Greece Lotto. Do note that not all sites offer this Greek lottery in their portfolios, so if it’s a priority for you, it may take a bit of investigation to identify the best platforms to use.
Once you’ve found the ones you want to use, the workflow is the same whether you play Greece Lotto or SA Daily Lotto. Here’s how it works.
- Set up your account – Upload proof of identification and other personal details as requested. Deposit money into your player’s account if needed.
- Navigate to Greece Lotto – Pick from the platform’s game list.
- State number of lines – You decide how many lines you want to play. Multiple lines may result in discount rates.
- Select six numbers – On the number grid presented, click on the numbers to play, or use Quick Pick.
- State ticket details – Platforms may offer subscriptions or bundles.
- Confirm and pay – Review ticket details and pay for the ticket.
- Wait until the draw – Tickets can be viewed in your account at any time.
You can expect an automated payment to your account, but also check your winnings with the help of online Greece Lotto results pages. Make sure all vendors pay what’s owed to you.
How to Play Greece Lotto In-Store
For South Africans on a visit to the beautiful Greek islands, there is the option of playing Greece Lotto in store. It’s a lottery option both tourists and locals can enjoy.
The operator created different coloured bet slips for the various Greek lotteries, so simply make sure you get the right one in store.
The process is explained below:
- Get your slip – The Greece Lotto slip is yellow with red number grids.
- Tick your numbers – The grid is numbered 1 to 49. Indicate your numbers using a pen. Quick Pick is also an option.
- Complete multiple grids – Each slip contains six number grids, so you can play multiple tickets with one slip.
- Indicate future draws – Tick numbered blocks at the bottom of the slip to show how many upcoming draws the tickets should be used for. Leave them all blank if it’s meant for only the next draw.
- Submit ticket – Hand the ticket to the cashier and pay.
- Take and check ticket – The attendant gives you a printed ticket. Make sure the details are correct.
- Keep it safe – Put lottery tickets in a safe place until the draw and until you collect your prize, so they don’t get lost or stolen.
If you make a mistake on any of the grids, simply tick the ‘Void’ box. That grid will be ignored by the cashier and you won’t have to start all over again on a new slip.
How to Play Greece Lotto via Lottery Apps & More
OPAP that hosts multiple Greek lotteries have an efficient online system in place, so locals can play via their computers or mobile devices. Just note that the app and website are only accessible when you’re in Greece. Based on your IP address you’ll be blocked from elsewhere in the world.
If you are in Greece and have the appropriate documentation to register an account, you can follow these steps.
- Create an account and log in
- Review special offers and welcome bonuses to make use of them if possible
- Pick Greece Lotto from the games menu
- Click on your numbers or use Quick Pick
- Use the ‘Slip Selections’ summary to see how much you’re spending and help manage your budget
- Click on ‘Payment’ when you’re satisfied with ticket details
- Follow the relevant claims processes, if applicable, after the draw
- Download the OPAP online app, available for Android, iOS and Huawei
- Log in to account – Biometric ‘Touch’ and ‘Face ID’ log in options are available
- Pick Greece Lotto on games menu
- Click on numbers to play or use Quick Pick – Also try out the ‘Shake n Play’ fun feature
- Set subscriptions and consecutive draws
- Pay to finalise your ticket
- Get notifications of your win, or check manually
Source: OPAP Online
How to Know if You Won the Greece Lotto Lottery?
Never miss out on some cash just because you didn’t properly check the outcome of all the games you play. For Greece Lotto you have many ways to know if you’ve won, but how you play the game determines which option is most appropriate.
| Method of Play | How to Know You’ve Won |
|---|---|
| Greece-based OPAP store | Use online Greece Lotto results or watch the draw on the operator’s YouTube channel |
| OPAP website | Quick navigation tabs on the header help navigate to ‘Draws and Results’ |
| OPAP app | Check results on the app |
| Online lottery sites | Get notifications or use their results pages |
What Happens If You Win the Greece Lotto Lottery?
If you’ve won a prize, it’s time to see your player account or bank balance rise thanks to all that money that’s now yours. Here are some pointers to ensure you get your cash with the least amount of effort:
- In store purchases in Greece: You can claim as much €100,000 at an OPAP store, but for bigger wins you must go to an OPAP office.
- OPAP app or website: The platform offers multiple payment services for deposits and payouts. Take your pick from PayPal, Skrill, IBAN and more.
- Online lottery site players: Part of the convenience of platforms like Lotto Agent is that they automate payments. Still, it’s wise to monitor payments to your player’s account and make sure if the vendor requires additional information from you to complete the payment. Jackpot wins could require travelling to Greece to claim prizes in person.
Players may also be happy to know that the Greece Lotto operators respect people’s privacy. If you do win big, you’re not obligated to make your name public. They won’t publish it unless you give consent.
Final Thoughts
Greek locals have tons of fun with OPAP’s games like Greece Lotto and the simplicity of the game makes it attractive. It’s a terrific game to add to your lottery playing in addition to other European games like SuperEnalotto, especially because of its very low cost.
Technology and the World Wide Web make many lotteries more accessible to South Africans, and if you do find this one on a lottery site’s game portfolio, don’t hesitate to take a chance! Using the Greece Lotto results history in a lottery strategy can increase your chances to walk away with a few thousand Euros!
And now that you know how to play Greece Lotto, you can play with confidence and win big.
FAQs
Greece Lotto tickets are available from OPAP stores in Greece, as well as on the OPAP website and app. With any online lottery site you use, you can see if Greece Lotto is one of the options to play.
Greece Lotto’s operators block access to their online platforms to anyone outside the country. Lottery site users may be able to play as long as the vendors offer Greece Lotto as a game option.
Across Europe, the average legal age to play the lottery is 18. If you find an online lottery site that offers Greece Lotto, the age requirement is usually also 18.
When playing in store, you’ll need to check OPAP store times to now until what time you can buy a ticket. For OPAP website users, the cutoff time is 20:30 on draw day. Online lottery sites have their own cut off times, usually shown with countdowns to help players plan ahead.
Greece Lotto is popular thanks to the low cost of €0.50 per single ticket. If you play using an online lottery site, you’ll have to budget a bit more, as they usually charge service fees on top of the ticket price.
Any Greece Lotto ticket numbers are up to the player. Resources like a Greece Lotto number predictor can be helpful, or you can use Quick Pick. Otherwise, try out your own lucky numbers.
The Greece Lotto follows a familiar 6/49 game structure, so you must pick six numbers in total. All of them fall in the range 1 – 49. To win the jackpot, all six numbers must be correct.
You’ll have two chances each week to win the Greece Lotto jackpot. Draws take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 pm, Greek local time. For South Africans, because of Daylight Savings Time, this is 9 pm in months from April to October and 10 pm during the rest of the year.
Greek tax laws do stipulate payments on lottery winnings and the amount depends on how much you’ve won. For less than €100, you can take your money tax free, but for anything more you’ll pay at least 2.5% on the amount exceeding €100. Amounts that exceed €2,500 can require payments as high as 20%.
For South Africans, these rules may impact the amount paid out to them. Also, while SA tax laws don’t require tax payments on lottery winnings, you should check with a lawyer if any additional fees are payable for money paid into your account from abroad.
In January 2010 the Greece Lotto jackpot grew to its biggest size ever. A prize of €7.5 million (~ZAR 142.5 million) was eventually won.
There is no jackpot cap for the Greece Lotto, so it can keep growing. However, operators have the right to adjust rules. For example, they may announce that if the jackpot isn’t won the main prize money will roll down to the second prize tier, increasing those winners’ prize money.
DailyLotto is ZAR 300,000 on