Lottery Betting vs. Official Lotteries: Key Differences
In short, online lotto gambling is similar to buying official tickets, but you are not purchasing them for the official draw. Basically, you visit an independent lottery betting site like Betfred and predict the game’s outcome.
Here are a few key points to help you understand how online raffles differ from official draws:
- Ownership: Lotto wagering is operated by private companies, while official raffles are run by national or state authorities.
- Mechanics: In online sweepstakes, you wager on the outcome of the numbers. If you win, the bookie pays you based on the odds set for the particular bet. Meanwhile, official tickets are purchased to enter the draw. You can win a portion of the prize pool, which is determined by the number of ticket sales and other rules.
- Participation: Bookies often allow participation in international raffles. The official draws are limited to those held within the UK, such as the National Lottery and Thunderball.
Overall, lottery betting sites offer more variety and gambling options than state raffles.
Top 3 Lotto Bookmakers in the UK
We explore a wide range of gaming sites, including legit casinos, and consider things like game variety, odds, promotions, etc. Below you can see the bookies offering the best service.
Boylesports – Huge Number of Games
This bookmaker offers 16 titles from around the world. You can choose any raffle from 49’s, Irish and even Hong Kong Lotto. You can place multiple and straight bets as well as select up to 10 tickets per draw to increase your chances of winning.
In addition to their broad selection of lottery games, Boylesports also offers a range of casino games for those who like to mix up their betting experience. The bookie also has a handy Schedules section where you can view the fixtures and follow the games. Plus, the results from past games, which can be conveniently searched by time and date, are provided by Boylesports.
Betfred – Many Promotions
The site is notable for its bonuses for lottery players, including Boosted Odds and a welcome offer. To qualify, you need to register with promo code 5DRAW, deposit £5+ and wager at least £1 on the raffle. You will receive £5 in Free Bets and 20 free scratchcards to use on specific games within 7 days. If you’re a fan of promotional offers, you’re in luck. We have a selection of no deposit bonuses at casinos just for you!
The bookie also has a dedicated section with 12 types of games, from Nifty 50 to Spanish raffle. Additionally, Betfred offers a large number of scratchcards where you can scratch symbols to win prizes – just like in offline lottery shops.
William Hill – Top Odds for Irish Lottery Betting
The platform offers wagering on many titles including EuroMillions, Instant Win Games, etc. William Hill is also one of the best betting sites for the Irish lottery. The odds are among the highest, reaching 150,000/1 on 5 correct numbers out of 5 (excluding the Bonus Ball). You can also easily select any draw from the drop-down menu. In addition to sports and lottery betting, William Hill also features a live casino section with an extensive library of games with live dealers.
Which Online Lottery Draws Are Available for Betting?
The British market offers a wide range of options. You can play at Irish lottery betting sites and other bookies with numerous draws, each with its own format and different prizes. Below we list and describe the most popular options so you can choose the one that suits you best.
| Lottery | Origin Country | Main Info | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK 49’s | UK | Choose six figures from 1 to 49. Winnings depend on matched numbers and wager amounts. | Boylesports |
| Irish Lotto | Ireland | Bet on six digits from 1 to 47*. Top prizes up to £8 million. | Betfred |
| US PowerBall | USA | Pick five numbers from 1 to 69 and one PowerBall from 1 to 26. Jackpots often exceed £100 million. | William Hill |
| EuroMillions | UK, France, Spain | Select five options from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. Top prize around £150 million. | William Hill |
| MegaMillions | USA | Choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. Winnings can reach £200 million. | All British Casino |
| Spanish SuperEnalotto | Spain | Select six balls from 1 to 90. Prizes up to £150 million. | Betfred |
* Raffles with more numbers to choose from typically offer higher jackpots but have lower odds of winning, while those with fewer choices have better odds but smaller jackpots.
How to Place a Bet on a Lottery?
Wagering on draws online is straightforward, similar to wagering on sports or casino games. Follow these steps to get started and track your stake until the results are announced.
- Choose a Bookmaker: You can choose any of our top 3 lottery betting sites as they are all licensed and offer a wide range of wagering options.
- Create an Account: Sign up and verify yourself by providing necessary details like your name, email, and necessary documents. Don’t forget to enter the promo code if the site requires it to activate the welcome offer, such as the one on Betfred casino.
- Deposit Funds: Log in and go to the deposit section. Choose a payment method, enter the amount, and follow the instructions to transfer funds to your account.
- Select a Lottery: Go to the special section and browse the available options, such as Irish Lotto or EuroMillions. Also, visit the schedule to choose a draw time that suits you.
- Pick Your Numbers: You can manually enter your favourite combinations or use the quick pick option to randomly generate numbers. Select them based on the game rules. For example, choose five digits from 1 to 47 for the Irish Lotto.
- Place a Bet: Decide on the type of bet you want to place (single or multiple) and the amount you wish to stake. Confirm your stake and ensure it is recorded on the platform.
- Track Your Bet: You can check the time of your draw in the Schedule section. After the game, you can find the results in a special area by entering the date of the lottery. Some platforms also let you set up alerts to keep track of the status.
Tips for Choosing a Bookmaker for Lottery Betting
Choosing the best betting site for Irish and other lotteries is crucial. This is because the difference between the services may not be obvious at first glance and you need to dig a little deeper. We have prepared some tips to help you make the right decision:
- Check Licensing and Regulation: All platforms we suggest are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. The licence information can also be found in the footer of the bookmaker’s website or its “About Us” section.
- Examine Available Draws and Bet Types: The best lottery betting sites offer a wide range of international titles. Also seek gambling options that go beyond simply picking numbers, such as wagering on the first number drawn or the total value.
- Compare Odds and Payouts: Look for platforms that offer competitive prices and returns compared to others in the industry. Also, some bookmakers have a Winners section where you can look at the history of big wins on the site.
- Look at Promotions and Bonuses: Check for special offers for this game. The top bookies provide boosted odds, regular Free Bets and welcome rewards for lotto players.
- Check for App Availability: Opt for a bookmaker with a reliable mobile programme. It’s useful as you can receive notifications when a draw starts and check results on the go.
Responsible Game
When you play on betting sites for Irish and other lotteries, or when you decide to try your luck on bingo casinos for example, it’s vital to approach gambling with caution and mindfulness. Practising responsible gaming involves setting a clear budget and adhering to it. You can decide in advance how much you are willing to spend and never exceed that limit.
If gambling starts to feel problematic, don’t hesitate to seek support. Contact British organisations such as GamCare or BeGambleAware for assistance. They offer resources and help for those struggling with gambling issues.
FAQ
Which Irish Lottery Betting Site is the Best?
Betfred provides players with special promotions and William Hill offers high odds for this title. At Boylesports, you can customise your straight and multiple stakes and add up to 10 tickets to your bet slip. You can check out our top 3 for more information and to pick a platform that’s right for you.
Can I Bet on International Lotteries?
Yes, many UK lottery betting sites allow you to bet on international raffles such as the US PowerBall, MegaMillions, and EuroMillions. You can participate in various global draws without needing to purchase official tickets.
