How to Play Lotto

Select six numbers from 1 to 59. You can pick your own numbers or play a Lucky Dip if you would prefer to be given a random set of numbers – the chances of winning are the same whichever option you choose.

A Bonus Ball is also drawn in Lotto but you do not select a Bonus Ball when you play, as the aim is to match it with one of the six numbers you do pick.

There are two Lotto draws a week - one on Saturday at 7.45pm and one on Wednesday at 8.00pm. Choose whether to enter just one draw or both by marking your preferred option on the playslip or telling the retailer.

If you are playing online, you just need to select the relevant day. If you take out a subscription you’ll play the draws you specified every week until your subscription ends.

You need to specify how many weeks in advance you want to play, up to a maximum of four. It is therefore possible to enter up to eight consecutive draws if you play on both Wednesday and Saturday.

When playing online, you can also set up a Direct Debit to play on a continual basis. You can change your numbers and draw days at any time while the Direct Debit is active.

The final step is to pay for your tickets, and it costs £2 per entry to play Lotto. If you play in a store, you will be given a paper ticket that you will need to keep safe, as it is your only proof of entry.

Your numbers are saved in your account when you play online so you don’t need to worry about keeping your ticket safe. You can view your numbers by logging in to your account.