Lotteries have a history of funding public projects, but what really gets people going is the chance to become an overnight millionaire—or even a billionaire if you’re really lucky. While lotteries have historically been used to finance public endeavors, it is the prospect of suddenly becoming a millionaire or even a billionaire that truly captivates the public’s imagination. Here are the biggest lotteries worldwide.
Powerball and Mega Millions (U.S. Lotteries)
Coming from the United States, Powerball and Mega Millions are two of the biggest lottery worldwide. Powerball set a world record in November 2022 with the largest lottery jackpot ever awarded, reaching $2.04 billion. That $1.58 billion jackpot in August 2023 had Mega Millions nipping at Powerball’s heels. The prospect of winning these enormous jackpots draws participants from all over the country, resulting in surges in ticket purchases as they seek to achieve sudden riches. Listed below are some biggest lottery worldwide:
Biggest Lottery Worldwide
EuroMillions (European Lottery)
This transnational lottery, established in 2004, involves several participating countries. Having a jackpot cap of €240 million, EuroMillions has produced numerous millionaires. The €240 million cap was implemented in 2009, marking the beginning of “Must Be Won” draws. This innovation may also result in higher payouts for those who win in the lower prize categories.
El Gordo (Spanish Lottery)
Known as “The Fat One,” Spain’s Christmas Lottery, El Gordo, is one of the oldest and biggest lotteries in the world, starting in 1812. Instead of one huge jackpot like in most lotteries, El Gordo shares its prizes with thousands of winners. The aggregate prize money is considerable, often exceeding €2 billion. It’s a huge event in Spain, with kids from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school singing out the winning numbers, creating an annual spectacle that the whole world watches.
Mega-Sena (Brazilian Lottery)
Mega-Sena’s jackpots aren’t always the biggest, but it makes up for it with frequent draws and large prizes. Because the draws are held twice a week, players have more opportunities to win a lot of money. The largest Mega-Sena jackpot was awarded on December 31, 2014, reaching a record-breaking R$263.2 million (approximately €59,286,784.00). Annual revenues from the lottery, amounting to billions of reais, are used to support social programs and projects.
Oz Lotto (Australian Lottery)
Since its establishment in 1994, Oz Lotto, Australia’s largest national lottery, has generated numerous multimillion-dollar winners. Oz Lotto, recognized for its substantial jackpots and advantageous odds, enjoys a strong following in Australia. The largest Oz Lotto jackpot was awarded on November 6, 2012, reaching an astounding AUD$111.9 million (approximately €91.66 million). Lotteries are all about excitement, dreams of winning big, and the hope of changing your life. The attraction of large jackpots has spread beyond national, cultural, and linguistic divides, drawing people from all social strata together in the quest for riches.
From the record-breaking Powerball and Mega Millions in the United States to the transnational EuroMillions in Europe, the festive El Gordo in Spain, the consistently rewarding Mega-Sena in Brazil, and the appealing Oz Lotto in Australia, each of these lotteries provides a distinct experience and the opportunity to achieve a life-changing win. With people lining up to purchase tickets, these lotteries remain a global phenomenon, reminding us that hope and the desire for a better life are universal. A single ticket can make you win the biggest lottery worldwide, proving that a small investment and a big dream can go a long way.