There are a few quick answers to this question:
Short Answer
No, you do not have to be an Irish citizen to play the Irish lottery. The Irish lottery is open to players from any country as long as they meet the minimum age requirement.
Eligibility
To play the Irish lottery, including the popular Irish Lotto game, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no requirement to be an Irish citizen or resident to purchase lottery tickets.
Ways to Play
There are a few different ways to play the Irish lottery from outside of Ireland:
- Online – You can create an account on the Irish National Lottery website and purchase tickets online. Winnings are paid into your online account.
- Lottery Agent – There are licensed lottery agents around the world that can purchase Irish lottery tickets on your behalf. You tell them which tickets you want and they will scan and email you copies of the tickets.
- Buy in Ireland – If you visit Ireland, you can purchase Irish lottery tickets in person at authorized retailers across the country.
Taxes on Winnings
If you win a lottery prize in Ireland as a non-resident, you may be liable for tax deductions in Ireland before the winnings are paid out. However, this depends on the country you live in and if there is a double taxation agreement between that country and Ireland.
For example, if you live in the UK, you will not pay tax twice on lottery winnings thanks to a taxation agreement between the UK and Ireland. However, if you live in a country without such an agreement, you may be taxed in Ireland and your home country.
Conclusion
In summary, playing the Irish lottery is open to anyone worldwide as long as they meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years old. You do not need to be an Irish citizen or resident. There are various ways to play including online, through an agent, or in person if visiting Ireland. Winnings may be subject to some tax deductions depending on what country you live in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play the Irish lottery online?
Yes, you can play the Irish lottery online even if you do not live in Ireland. You need to create an account on the Irish National Lottery website and fund it to purchase tickets. You can use a credit card or other payment methods. Your winnings will be paid into your online account.
Do I need an Irish bank account?
No, you do not need an Irish bank account to play the Irish lottery. If you win a prize, it can be paid into an account outside of Ireland via bank transfer or cheque. Some online lottery services may require an international bank account to pay winnings into.
Can tourists play the Irish lottery?
Yes, tourists visiting Ireland are able to purchase Irish lottery tickets during their stay. You can buy them in authorized retailers across the country. As long as you meet the minimum age requirement, you can play the Irish lottery as a tourist.
Are lottery winnings taxed for non-residents?
Lottery winnings may be taxed for non-residents depending on what country you live in. Ireland will deduct tax at 20% before paying out lottery prizes to non-residents. However, you may be able to claim this back if your home country has a double taxation agreement with Ireland.
Can I claim lottery prizes from outside Ireland?
Yes, you can claim Irish lottery prizes even if you do not live in Ireland. If you win a small prize, it will automatically be paid into your online lottery account. For larger amounts, the lottery company will contact you to arrange payment via bank transfer or cheque which can be deposited anywhere.
Irish Lottery Games
There are a variety of lottery games run by the Irish National Lottery. Here are some of the most popular Irish lottery games that are open to players worldwide:
Irish Lotto
The Irish Lotto is Ireland’s flagship lottery game with draws taking place twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To play, you must select 6 numbers from 1-47 plus a bonus number from 1-12. It costs €4.50 per line. The minimum jackpot is €2 million which rolls over if not won.
EuroMillions
EuroMillions is a lottery with draws on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is played across nine European countries. To play, you need to pick 5 numbers from 1-50 and 2 Lucky Stars numbers from 1-12. Tickets cost €2.50 per line. The minimum jackpot is €17 million.
Daily Million
The Daily Million draw takes place every day with a top prize of €1 million. You choose 6 numbers from 1-39 plus a Lucky Star. It costs €1 per line to play. There is also a Daily Million Plus additional draw.
Lotto Plus
Lotto Plus costs an additional €1 per line when you enter the Irish Lotto. The Lotto Plus 1 and 2 draws use the same numbers you picked for the main Irish Lotto draw. The minimum guaranteed prizes are €100,000 and €250,000 respectively.
Telly Bingo
Telly Bingo provides bingo games broadcast on RTÉ One every day. You can play along by buying tickets with 24 random numbers which you mark off against numbers drawn on TV.
Buying Irish Lottery Tickets Online
Playing the Irish lottery online is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to signing up and purchasing lottery tickets online:
Step 1 – Create an Account
Visit the Irish National Lottery website and click “Play Online” in the top right. You will need to provide some personal details like your name, date of birth, contact information and address. This verifies your age and identity.
Step 2 – Deposit Funds
To purchase lottery tickets, you will need to deposit money into your online account. You can use a debit card, credit card, PayPal, or other options. There is a minimum first deposit amount of €10.
Sample Deposit Methods
| Method | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Debit/Credit Card | €10 | €150 |
| PayPal | €10 | €1,000 |
| Paysafecard | €10 | €1,000 |
Step 3 – Choose Game and Numbers
You can now select which lottery games you want to play. Add your chosen numbers for each game. Your ticket will be generated and funds deducted from your account.
Step 4 – Watch Draws
View the lottery draws online or on TV to see if you are a winner! Smaller prizes are automatically paid into your online account. You will be contacted for larger wins.
Tips for Playing the Irish Lottery
Use these tips to help increase your chances of winning an Irish lottery prize:
Check Odds of Winning
The odds of winning vary between Irish lottery games. The Lotto jackpot is around 1 in 10.7 million while Daily Million is 1 in 1.04 million. Know the odds so you can set realistic expectations.
Use Quick Pick
Using randomly generated Quick Pick numbers gives you the same odds as choosing your own numbers. It ensures your numbers are spread evenly across the range.
Try a Syndicate
Join a lottery syndicate so you have more number combinations. Online lotteries allow syndicates with shared tickets and joint prizes.
Avoid All Birthdays
Avoid picking all numbers from birthdays or other memorable dates. Too many players do this so the numbers are more likely to be taken.
Stick to Your Numbers
Repeatedly use the same main numbers each draw. Although every combination has the same chance, sticking to your chosen numbers means you won’t have to split a jackpot if you finally win!
Lottery Scams
Be aware of potential lottery and prize draw scams:
Unsolicited Emails
Beware of emails saying you have won a big prize or lottery you did not enter. It is normally a scam.
Upfront Fees
Never pay an upfront fee to claim a prize. Common scams ask for “taxes” or “fees” to release winnings.
Fake Websites
Use official lottery websites with a secure URL. Scammers create convincing fake lottery websites.
Information Requests
Never give your personal details or bank account information in return for a promised prize payout.
Inheritance Scams
Be suspicious of any notification saying you have inherited money from someone you don’t know who has left you their “lottery winnings”.
Lottery Mail
Throw out any unsolicited lottery mail you receive. It is normally a tactic to gather your details for identity theft or other scams.
History of the Irish Lottery
Lotteries have been present in Ireland for centuries. Here are some key events in the history of the Irish lottery:
17th Century
Early Irish lotteries date from the 1600s used to fund bridges, canals, roads and other public projects.
1836
The Lotteries Act of 1836 banned all unauthorized lotteries across Ireland and the United Kingdom.
1930s
Illegal “private lotteries” operated during the 1930s and 1940s particularly in Dublin to circumvent the ban.
1956
The Irish Sweepstakes lottery was launched with huge success attracting players globally. It offered large cash prizes and profits went to Irish hospitals.
1986
The National Lottery was established by the Irish government with the aim of raising funds for good causes while providing fun games.
1987
The first National Lottery draw took place on 23 March 1987. 38 Studios won the license to operate it.
2015
Premier Lotteries Ireland took over the license to run the National Lottery introducing new games and online play.
2022
The National Lottery celebrates its 35th anniversary having raised €6 billion for good causes and creating 2,000 millionaires.
Lottery Good Causes
In Ireland, the National Lottery allocates funds raised to support a wide variety of good causes. Here are some of the areas that receive National Lottery funding:
Sports Funding
The Irish Sports Council distributes funds to support athlete training, build facilities and promote participation.
Heritage Projects
Grants are given to maintain and conserve Ireland’s built heritage like historic buildings, parks and monuments.
Community Groups
Thousands of small community organizations across Ireland receive lottery funding for equipment, amenities and running costs.
Arts and Culture
The arts benefit from National Lottery funding through schemes like Arts Grants, Creative Communities and Arts Centre Supports.
Health and Welfare
Irish health and welfare groups are supported with funding for improved facilities, support services and medical equipment.
Youth and Education
The National Lottery funds educational programs for young people focused on sports, arts, culture, science and technology.
Irish Language
Organizations promoting the use of the Irish language also receive funding from lottery ticket sales.
Famous Irish Lottery Winners
There have been many notable Irish lottery winners over the years. Here are some of the biggest Irish jackpot winners:
Dolores McNamara
Dolores McNamara from Limerick won €115 million in the EuroMillions in 2005 which was the biggest Irish lottery win at the time.
Lucky Syndicate
A small syndicate from North Dublin shared a €175 million EuroMillions jackpot in 2019 which was the highest Irish lottery win to date.
Naul Family
The Naul family syndicate from North Dublin won a €175 million EuroMillions jackpot in 2022 equaling the previous record Irish lottery win.
Dan Morrissey
Builder Dan Morrissey from Bennettsbridge won over €21 million on the Irish Lotto in 2008 and carried on working.
Rebecca O’Keeffe
Rebecca O’Keeffe was just 18 when she claimed a €11.2 million Irish Lotto jackpot in 1997.
Lottery Betting
Many bookmakers offer lottery betting which allows you to bet on the outcome of lottery draws. With lottery betting:
- You bet on numbers to be drawn rather than buying a ticket.
- Odds are given for each number ball in the draw.
- You win if your numbers are drawn, based on the odds.
- Lottery betting is available for most major lotteries.
- You must be over 18 and have a betting account.
While lottery betting avoids having to buy tickets, the odds are lowered so winnings are often less than buying lottery tickets directly. But it can be a fun additional way to get involved in lotteries.