South Africans looking to play international lotteries have several great options to choose from. The leading international lotteries that South Africans can enter include the USA Powerball, USA Mega Millions, EuroMillions, EuroJackpot, and UK National Lottery among others. Each lottery has its own unique rules, jackpot sizes, and odds of winning, so it’s good to review the key details to find the ones that are best suited to your preferences and budget.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the top international lottery options available to South African players. We’ll cover the key facts like jackpot sizes, odds of winning, costs to play, and legality. This guide aims to give you all the essential information you need to select the international lottery that’s right for you.
Lottery Option #1 – USA Powerball
The USA Powerball is one of the most popular international lottery options for South Africans. Here are the key facts about Powerball:
- Operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association in 45 US states plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
- Draws held every Wednesday and Saturday night US Eastern Time
- Starting jackpot is $40 million (about R670 million)
- Jackpot rolls over if no winner, can reach over $1 billion
- Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9
- Odds of winning jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million
- Players choose 5 main numbers from 1-69 plus 1 Powerball from 1-26
- Can play up to 10 consecutive draws in advance
- Tickets cost $2 (about R33) per play
- Can play online using accredited lottery ticket messengers
- Winning jackpots not taxed for foreigners
The USA Powerball holds the record for the largest lottery jackpot in history at $1.586 billion shared by 3 tickets in January 2016. The game offers South Africans the chance to win truly life-changing sums of money, while the good odds of winning smaller prizes make it very exciting to play.
Powerball tickets can be purchased online using reputable international lottery ticket purchasing services. These services buy official tickets on your behalf through their agents in the US, scan and email you ticket confirmations, and allow winnings to be received via bank transfer. Playing this way is legal and winners are fully paid out.
Lottery Option #2 – USA Mega Millions
USA Mega Millions is Powerball’s main rival, also offering huge American jackpots. Key details are:
- Operated by 45 US State lotteries plus Washington DC and Virgin Islands
- Draws held every Tuesday and Friday night US Eastern Time
- Starting minimum jackpot of $40 million (R670 million)
- Jackpots rollover if no winner, can reach over $1 billion
- Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24
- Jackpot odds are 1 in 302.6 million
- Choose 5 main numbers from 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball from 1-25
- Can play up to 10 consecutive draws in advance
- Tickets cost $2 (R33) each
- Purchase online using lottery ticket services
- Jackpots not taxed for foreigners
Like Powerball, Mega Millions is known for creating enormous jackpots over $1 billion when there’s no winner for many weeks. It holds the record for the 2nd largest ever jackpot of $1.537 billion won in October 2018. Playing offers the excitement of winning hundreds of millions in cash.
Mega Millions tickets can be bought online just like Powerball. You’ll receive scanned copies of official tickets and if you win, the prizemoney is paid out to you commission-free.
Lottery Option #3 – EuroMillions
EuroMillions is Europe’s biggest multi-country lottery, popular with South Africans due to the large jackpots and good odds. Key details are:
- Operated by 9 European lottery operators including UK, France, Spain, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland
- Draws held every Tuesday and Friday night Paris time
- Starting jackpots of €17 million (R290 million)
- Jackpots cap at €220 million (R3.7 billion) then roll down
- Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 13
- Odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 139.8 million
- Choose 5 main numbers from 1-50 plus 2 Lucky Stars from 1-12
- Can play up to 7 draws in advance
- Tickets cost €2.50 (R42) each standard line
- Purchase online using accredited ticket services
- No taxes taken from prizes of foreigners
EuroMillions has made several South Africans multi-millionaires over the years. With smaller starting jackpots than the American lotteries but better overall winning odds, it’s a great option for more regular fun and excitement.
Playing EuroMillions online is easy and secure. Ticket merchants buy real tickets for you, upload proofs, and transfer any big wins.
Lottery Option #4 – EuroJackpot
The EuroJackpot is Europe’s 2nd biggest lottery with large jackpots. Key details:
- Played across 18 European countries
- Draws each Friday night Helsinki time
- Minimum €10 million (R169 million) starting jackpot
- Jackpot cap is €120 million (R2 billion) then rolls down
- Overall odds of winning are 1 in 26
- Jackpot odds are 1 in 140 million
- Pick 5 numbers from 1-50 and 2 Euro Numbers from 1-12
- Can play up to 10 draws in advance
- Ticket costs €2 (R34) per line
- Buy online using lottery messengers
- No taxes on prizes for those outside Europe
With its juicy jackpots and better odds than Euromillions, EuroJackpot is seen by many South Africans as a nice alternative European lottery option.
Purchasing EuroJackpot tickets online is simple and pays out big wins in full. Just register with a trusted ticket courier to safely play.
Lottery Option #5 – UK National Lottery
The UK National Lottery has smaller jackpots but better odds and low entry prices. Key details are:
- Operated by Camelot across UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands
- Main Lotto draw every Wednesday and Saturday night
- Starting jackpot around £2 million (R40 million)
- Jackpot cap is £22 million (R440 million) then rolls down
- Overall odds of winning are 1 in 45
- Jackpot odds are 1 in 45 million
- Pick 6 numbers from 1-59
- Can play up to 4 weeks in advance
- Tickets cost £2 (R40) per standard line
- Purchase tickets online via third party services
- No taxes taken from winnings of foreigners
The UK Lotto is popular for its reasonable price per play and good odds. There are lots of South African winners of smaller prizes. It’s a fun low-cost option!
Playing the UK National Lottery from South Africa is easy online using reputable ticket agents.
Table Comparing the Top International Lotteries
| Lottery | Location | Draw Days | Starting Jackpot | Record Jackpot | Odds of Winning Jackpot | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Powerball | United States | Wed & Sat | $40 million | $1.586 billion | 1 in 292 million | $2 |
| USA Mega Millions | United States | Tues & Fri | $40 million | $1.537 billion | 1 in 302 million | $2 |
| EuroMillions | Europe | Tues & Fri | €17 million | €220 million | 1 in 140 million | €2.50 |
| EuroJackpot | Europe | Friday | €10 million | €120 million | 1 in 140 million | €2 |
| UK Lotto | United Kingdom | Wed & Sat | £2 million | £22 million | 1 in 45 million | £2 |
This table summarizes and compares the key details of the top 5 international lottery options open to South Africans. Factors like the jackpot sizes, odds, entry prices and draw schedule help give a clear overview of the unique features of each lottery.
How to buy international lottery tickets online
The best way for South Africans to play lotteries like Powerball and EuroMillions is to purchase official tickets online using lottery messenger services. Here are the main steps involved:
- Register an account with an accredited lottery ticket courier service
- Select the lottery you wish to play and choose your ticket numbers
- Pay for your ticket entries using credit card, bank transfer or other options
- The ticket agent purchases official entries on your behalf through their affiliates
- They scan and email you copies of your ticket proof of purchase
- Sit back and wait for the draws – good luck!
- If you win, prizes are paid directly into your account commission-free
This method of playing is legal, convenient and hassle-free. Your tickets are official so all prizes are valid. Reputable couriers also offer great customer service.
When choosing a ticket messenger service, look for:
- Established reputation with positive reviews
- Licensed and registered business for security
- Encrypted website and secure payment methods
- Member of industry accountability programs
- Proven track record of paying out winners
Using online ticket servicing opens up the international lottery world conveniently to South Africans.
The legality of playing international lotteries from South Africa
It is completely legal and lawful for South Africans to play international lotteries like those covered in this article. There are no laws prohibiting individuals from purchasing lottery tickets from other countries.
Playing foreign lotteries online using legitimate ticket courier platforms merely acts as an agent to buy official tickets on your behalf. The lottery operators themselves allow and encourage this service to expand customer accessibility.
Winnings from international lotteries are also fully legal for South Africans to claim tax-free, with no restrictions. The money can be withdrawn to South African bank accounts commission-free.
The only form of lottery play that is illegal in South Africa is participating in unauthorized domestic lotteries not sanctioned by government regulators. However, trusted international lotteries are completely lawful to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about South Africans playing international lottery games:
Q: Which lotteries have made South Africans millionaires?
The USA Powerball, USA Mega Millions and EuroMillions lotteries have all made multiple South African ticket holders instant millionaires over the years from winning large jackpot and secondary prizes.
Q: What are my chances of winning these big international lotteries?
The odds of hitting the jackpot are very long, between 1 in 140 million and 1 in 302 million. But the odds of winning smaller prizes worth hundreds of thousands or millions are much better, around 1 in 1-2 million.
Q: Can foreigners claim lottery prizes tax-free?
Yes, people playing lotteries from outside the host country are not subject to any domestic taxes or duties on their winnings. South Africans playing USA Powerball or EuroMillions can receive their full winnings.
Q: Is it safe providing personal details to online lottery websites?
Yes, using reputable and licensed online ticket agents with secure websites is very safe. Be sure to look for “https” URLs and the padlock icon. Your details are encrypted.
Q: How quickly are prizes paid out to online lottery players?
Legitimate lottery ticket services pay out winnings within 1-2 working days of receiving the funds from the official lottery operators. Smaller prizes under R50,000 are often paid out even faster.
Q: Can syndicates help improve my odds of winning?
Yes, joining online lottery syndicates that pool multiple entries can improve winning odds. Syndicates allow you to own shares of many more tickets across games.
Conclusion
In summary, South Africans have excellent options when it comes to playing highly lucrative international lottery games like those offered in the USA and Europe. With massive jackpots in the hundreds of millions or even billions of Rands, life-changing sums can be won playing the lottery online from South Africa.
Popular international lottery brands include USA Powerball, USA MegaMillions, EuroMillions, EuroJackpot and the UK National Lottery. Each has unique jackpot sizes, odds of winning and ticket prices. With the ability to conveniently purchase official tickets using secure online lottery ticket messenger platforms, South Africans can easily access these lotteries.
Playing foreign lotteries from South Africa is entirely legal and tax-free. Winners can claim their full prizes. With smart syndicate group play and combination selection, the odds of smaller secondary prizes can be improved. Playing internationally gives South Africans access to some of the biggest lottery jackpots in the world.
