Lottery Betting Sites
Alongside dedicated lottery betting platforms, many UK slot sites and sportsbooks also offer lottery wagers. This page lists them all — whether or not they provide a lottery-specific welcome bonus.
Why Lotteries Appeal
Playing the lottery means paying a small amount for a tiny chance of winning a huge prize. While many lotteries also award smaller prizes, it’s the dream of the big win that attracts most players.
Anyone who has bought a ticket — and maybe waited for the live draw — has likely spent at least a few minutes imagining how they’d spend the winnings. The same goes for bingo or progressive jackpot slot players: the odds are slim, but the daydreaming is part of the fun.
For most people, lotteries are about entertainment, not money. The anticipation of the draw, the “what if?” conversations, and the imaginative possibilities keep the experience exciting, even when the outcome is predictable.
Lottery Betting vs Buying a Ticket
When you purchase a lottery ticket:
- Part of the price goes into the prize pool.
- The rest covers operating costs and contributions to supported causes (such as charities).
You choose your numbers, and if enough match those drawn, you win. The UK Lotto, for example, draws six balls from 59. Some players boost their odds through syndicates — pooling funds to buy more lines and splitting any winnings.
However, you usually must be a resident of the country hosting the lottery to buy an official ticket. This is where lottery betting comes in.
How Lottery Betting Works
With lottery betting:
- No official ticket is purchased.
- You place a wager on the numbers you think will win.
- If they do, the betting site pays you directly — often matching the official prize amounts (minus any applicable taxes).
- Large payouts are usually covered by the operator’s insurance policy.
Some sites offer:
- Special bets (e.g., colour of the first ball, odd/even outcomes).
- Synthetic lotteries (replicating another lottery’s prize structure but using different draw results).
- Scratchcards and other games.
These platforms often combine lottery betting with slots, bingo, live casino, and sports betting — all from one account.
UK Lotto Restrictions
UK law prohibits betting on the UK Lotto and EuroMillions. If these appear on a betting site, they’re either:
- A synthetic version (e.g., UK Lotto prizes based on results from a Swiss lottery).
- An opportunity to join a syndicate where actual tickets are purchased on your behalf.
The restriction exists because 25% of every UK Lotto ticket sold goes to good causes. Allowing bets instead of ticket sales would divert that money to betting companies.
Popular Lotteries for UK Bettors
Because UK players can’t bet on the UK Lotto, many turn to:
The 49s – This lottery was created purely for betting, with no ticket sales or fundraising. Draws take place twice daily (lunchtime and teatime). 6 balls plus a 7th bonus ball are drawn out of 49. You can bet on 1–5 numbers appearing in either the six main balls or the seven balls including the bonus ball. Odds vary by bookmaker.
Other options include:
- European lotteries: Irish Lotto, Spanish Primitiva, etc.
- US lotteries: Powerball, Mega Millions, state draws.
- Australian lotteries.
Different operators cover different lotteries and bet types, so shopping around — or opening multiple accounts — can help you access the best variety and odds.
Where to Bet
Lottery betting availability varies:
- Some sites focus heavily on it and offer specific promotions.
- Others tuck it into a sportsbook’s side section.
This guide includes all UK operators offering lottery bets, showing casino offers if no lottery bonus is available.
Important: Lottery betting is not the same as lottery messenger services (where someone buys a ticket for you abroad). These services are:
- Unregulated in the UK (so there’s no customer protection).
- In breach of the terms of most lotteries, potentially invalidating winning tickets.
Key Things to Know About Lottery Betting
- Tax: UK gambling winnings aren’t taxed, but payouts may be reduced to reflect taxes in the lottery’s home country.
- Return to Player: Lotteries have low RTP due to the charitable contributions they make. The UK Lotto’s RTP is only 53%, and betting on it mirrors those odds.
- Entertainment Value: For those happy to spend a small amount for the excitement and a tiny shot at a huge return, lottery betting remains uniquely appealing — and is likely to grow in popularity in 2025.
