About Lotto

• What is Lotto?
• What is Lotto Plus 5?
• How do I play online?
• How do I enter my numbers?
• How much does it cost?
• Where are my ticket details kept?
• What happens if I win?
• When can I play?
• When can I watch the live draw?

What is Lotto?

Lotto is the Nation's biggest lottery game and has made more than 2,300 millionaires since it started in November 1994 - while raising billions of pounds for the Good Causes. With hundreds of thousands of players winning cash prizes every week, what would you do with a Lotto jackpot?

The Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday and six numbers (the main numbers) are drawn, along with one additional number - the bonus number. Match a minimum of three numbers to the main numbers drawn to win a prize. Remember, the bonus number is only relevant when you match five main numbers and the bonus number.

What is Lotto Plus 5?

Lotto Plus 5 is an exciting game you can play with Lotto. For an extra £1, your Lotto numbers are entered into the five separate Lotto Plus 5 draws throughout the week each with a top prize of £250,000**.

Just like with Lotto, you win by matching three or more numbers, with fixed prizes ranging from £2.50 to £250,000**.

All you have to do is select the 'Plus 5' checkbox next to the Lotto lines you'd like to 'Plus 5'.

For more information, visit Lotto Plus 5 help.

How do I play online?

To play online, you'll first need to open a National Lottery Account. If you haven't yet opened one, we'll prompt you to do so once you've completed your online play slip (see 'How do I enter my numbers' below).

A National Lottery Account lets you play Lottery Draw Games and our exciting Instant Wins online. To get started, you can transfer as little as £5 to your National Lottery Account from your debit card, and transfer money back to your bank account at any time. For your added security we do verify your details. If we can't authorise your application immediately online, you can also register for an Account by post.

How do I enter my numbers?

Simply complete the online play slip:

1. Enter six numbers from 1-49, or pick 'Lucky Dip' for a random selection.

2. Select 'Add more lines' if you require them.

3. Choose the day(s) of the draw, and the number of weeks, you'd like to play. You can play Saturdays, Wednesdays or both; and up to eight weeks in advance.

4. You can also select to play continuously by choosing the 'Continuous' option from the 'Number of weeks' drop down menu. When choosing this option, you will be prompted to set up a Direct Debit, so please have your account details ready.

5. Next, click 'Play Now':

• If you're already signed into your National Lottery Account, your Lotto draw ticket will now be displayed, with the details stored safely in your Account.
• If you're yet to sign into your National Lottery Account, you'll now be prompted to do so. Once you've signed in, your Lotto draw ticket will be displayed, with the details stored safely in your Account.
• If you've yet to open a National Lottery Account, you'll now be prompted to do so. In the meantime, our system will remember your play slip details. Once you've opened your Account and added funds, your Lotto draw ticket will be displayed, with the details stored safely in your Account.

How much does it cost?

Lotto costs £1 per play.

Where are my ticket details kept?

We keep your ticket details safe and secure in your National Lottery Account, so you can view them online whenever you like (except when our system is closed for maintenance).

To access your Account, click 'Sign in' at the top right of the homepage, then enter your secure username and password. If you can't remember your sign-in details, click the 'Forgotten username or password' link for assistance.

Once you've signed in, select 'Tickets', under the 'Games' menu, to view your ticket details.

What happens if I win?

For your convenience, we'll pay most winnings directly to your National Lottery Account or your debit card. You can claim your prize the day immediately after you win it. Here's how we pay you:

Wins of up to £500

We pay these directly to your Account. You can either transfer them to your debit card or use them to play more games.

Wins of £501 to £5,000

We pay these directly to your debit card, so you can quickly start to enjoy them.

Wins of more than £5,000

You must claim wins of more than £5,000 by calling the National Lottery Customer Care Team on 0845 278 8000. For these, you'll be paid by cheque.

When can I play?

You can play Lotto online every day from 8am (sometimes earlier) until 11.00pm.

But remember: Lotto ticket sales close at 7.30pm Wednesdays, and from 7.30pm to 9pm Saturdays, for the draw itself. To play Lotto on the day, you'll need to buy your ticket before 7.30pm.

When can I watch the live draw?

The Lotto draw can be seen on BBC One every Saturday and Wednesday night.

• Saturday on BBC One from 19:30*
• Wednesday on BBC One from 22:35

*Draw broadcast times are subject to change.

Go to TV shows for more information.