About Lotto

• 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?

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 line to 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 our National Lottery Customer Care Team on 0845 278 8000. For these, you'll be paid by cheque.

If your winning ticket was purchased by playing continuously via Direct Debit, please note that Direct Debit rules will apply.

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. Please also note that there is not a draw on Christmas Day.

When can I watch the live draw?

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

Go to TV shows for more information.