The National Lottery has announced significant changes to its Lotto and Lotto Plus games, introducing better jackpot odds, a higher top prize for Lotto Plus 2, and an additional weekly draw later this year. The updates mark the first major changes to the Lotto game in eight years and are expected to take effect this autumn. The exact launch date will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

One of the biggest changes is the reduction in the number of balls used in each Lotto draw. The National Lottery will reduce the pool from 47 balls to 45, improving players’ chances of winning the jackpot.

As a result, the odds of matching all winning numbers will improve from 1 in 10.7 million to 1 in 8.1 million, giving participants a greater chance of securing the top prize.

Alongside the improved odds, the Lotto Plus 2 top prize will increase from €250,000 to €1 million, bringing it in line with the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot, which will remain unchanged at €1 million.

The National Lottery said the enhancements are designed to offer players more value while creating a more exciting gaming experience.

Once the changes take effect, Lotto draws will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, increasing the number of weekly draws from two to three. National Lottery CEO Cian Murphy said the updates were developed after listening to player feedback and are intended to improve the overall Lotto experience.

According to Murphy, reducing the number of balls improves the odds across both Lotto and the Lotto Plus games, while the enhanced Lotto Plus 2 jackpot and additional weekly draw provide players with more opportunities to win.

The minimum purchase will continue to be two Lotto lines for €4, while two Lotto lines with Lotto Plus, which includes both the Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 draws, will still cost €6. The National Lottery is expected to announce the official implementation date for the new Lotto and Lotto Plus format in the coming weeks.