• US Powerball: Holds the record for the largest jackpot ever – $2.04 billion (2022). Odds of winning: 1 in 292.2 million. Draws: Mon, Wed, Sat.
• Mega Millions: Awarded a $1.602 billion prize in 2023. Odds of winning: 1 in 302.6 million. Draws: Tue, Fri.
• EuroMillions: Europe’s favorite with jackpots up to €240 million. Odds of winning: 1 in 139.8 million. Draws: Tue, Fri.
• EuroJackpot: Offers up to €120 million with better odds than some others. Odds of winning: 1 in 139.8 million. Draws: Fri.
• SuperEnalotto: Known for uncapped jackpots, including a €209 million prize in 2019. Odds of winning: 1 in 622.6 million. Draws: Tue, Thu, Sat.
• El Gordo de la Primitiva: Spain’s lottery with favorable odds (1 in 13.9 million) and steady payouts. Draws: Sun.
• Australia Powerball: Easier odds and jackpots up to AUD 160 million. Odds of winning: 1 in 134.5 million. Draws: Thu.

Quick Comparison

These lotteries attract millions globally, offering excitement and massive prizes. Play responsibly and remember: winning is rare, but the thrill is universal.

Top 10 Biggest Lottery Jackpots Ever

1. US Powerball

US Powerball is one of the most well-known lotteries worldwide, celebrated for its record-breaking jackpots, including the largest prize ever awarded. Its massive payouts and exciting features have drawn attention from players across the globe.

Drawings take place three times a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. EST ^[3]. Powerball is available in 45 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it the largest lottery network in the U.S. Online ticket sales have also made it accessible to players internationally, boosting its global popularity.

For $2 per ticket, players pick five white balls and one Powerball number. By adding the $1 Power Play option, non-jackpot prizes can multiply by up to 10 times ^[3]. The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87.

Jackpots can skyrocket when no one wins, as seen in January 2016 when three lucky tickets shared a staggering $1.586 billion prize – the first lottery jackpot to surpass the billion-dollar mark ^[1].

Winners can choose between two payout methods: an annuity paid over 29 years or a lump sum. The lump sum provides immediate access to winnings but is a smaller amount overall ^[3].

Powerball’s record-setting jackpots and widespread reach have made it a standout in the lottery world. Up next, we’ll take a look at another major U.S. lottery: Mega Millions.

2. Mega Millions

Mega Millions is one of the most popular lotteries in the U.S., widely recognized for its massive jackpots. In August 2023, it made headlines by awarding its largest jackpot ever – $1.602 billion – to a lucky ticket holder in Florida. The cash option for this prize was $794.2 million ^[1].

Available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mega Millions holds drawings twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET. Thanks to online platforms, players from around the globe can also participate, adding to its widespread appeal.

Over the years, the game has delivered some jaw-dropping prizes, including the $1.537 billion jackpot from October 2018 ^[1]. These record-breaking payouts have solidified Mega Millions as a top contender in the global lottery world.

The odds of hitting the jackpot are steep – 1 in 302,575,350 – making it slightly harder to win than Powerball. However, the odds of winning any prize are much better at 1 in 24. Winners can choose between two payout options: a lump sum or an annuity, which provides payments over 29 years.

Revenue from Mega Millions supports public initiatives like education and healthcare, though how funds are used varies by state. While Mega Millions dominates the U.S. lottery landscape alongside Powerball, Europe’s EuroMillions offers its own large jackpots and international appeal.

3. EuroMillions

EuroMillions is one of Europe’s most popular lotteries, with jackpots reaching up to €240 million. Since its launch in 2004, it has turned countless players across participating countries into millionaires. In December 2023, an Austrian player won the record-breaking €240 million jackpot, surpassing the previous high of £195,707,000 claimed by a UK ticket holder in July 2022 ^[2].

To play, participants choose five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 12. A ticket costs £2.50 in the UK, with similar pricing in other countries. Draws are held every Tuesday and Friday at 21:00 CET in Paris. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 139,838,160, but the chances improve significantly for smaller prizes ^[2].

EuroMillions offers unique perks like the UK Millionaire Maker, which guarantees a £1,000,000 prize in every draw for UK players ^[2]. Once the jackpot cap of €240 million is reached, any additional funds roll down to boost lower-tier prizes.

Most winnings are tax-free and paid as lump sums, except in countries like Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal, where taxes may apply. The game also features Super Draws with guaranteed jackpots of €100 million, adding to its appeal ^[2].

While EuroMillions dominates the European lottery scene, the EuroJackpot offers another exciting option for players across the continent.

4. EuroJackpot

EuroJackpot is a popular European lottery that has been drawing players in since its debut in March 2012. With a starting jackpot of €10 million, it can climb to a maximum of €120 million, making it a major attraction across the continent.

One of its most memorable moments happened on May 23, 2022, when a single ticket holder in Germany won the top prize of €120 million. While its jackpots might not reach the heights of some global lotteries, EuroJackpot is known for its balanced prize structure and relatively favorable odds.

The game works like this: players select 5 main numbers (from 1 to 50) and 2 Euro numbers (from 1 to 12). Draws take place every Friday at 21:00 CET in Helsinki, and tickets cost about €2. It’s available in 18 countries, bringing together players from across Europe.

A standout feature of EuroJackpot is its jackpot cap system. Once the jackpot hits €120 million, it stays there for up to five draws. If no one wins during that time, the prize money rolls down to the next tier, giving more players a chance at a big win.

EuroJackpot offers 12 prize tiers, with even the lowest tier paying €4.30 for matching 2 main numbers and 1 Euro number. This tiered payout system, combined with better odds compared to some other big lotteries, makes it a strong alternative to EuroMillions.

Tickets are available from authorized retailers and official online platforms. Players must be at least 18 years old (or 21 in some areas) to participate.

While EuroJackpot emphasizes balanced odds and structured prizes, lotteries like SuperEnalotto attract players with their uncapped jackpots, offering a different kind of thrill.

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5. SuperEnalotto

SuperEnalotto is Italy’s top lottery, famous for its tough odds but massive payouts. Back in August 2019, it made headlines by awarding a record-breaking €209 million jackpot to a single lucky winner. This allure of life-changing sums keeps players coming back, even with the steep odds.

The rules are straightforward: pick six numbers between 1 and 90. Draws happen three times a week – on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There’s also a ‘Jolly’ number that boosts second-tier prizes and an optional ‘SuperStar’ number for additional winnings.

A major draw of SuperEnalotto is its uncapped jackpot. While many lotteries limit their top prize, this one keeps growing until someone wins. That’s why it frequently produces some of Europe’s largest jackpots, often surpassing €100 million.

Operated by Sisal, a trusted name in Italy’s gaming industry, SuperEnalotto is known for its transparency and fair play. Although it started as a game exclusively for Italian residents, it’s now open to players worldwide through authorized online platforms. With odds of 1 in 622,614,630 for the jackpot, it’s one of the most challenging lotteries globally. However, its 14 prize tiers and the option to join syndicates make it attractive for many.

While SuperEnalotto’s uncapped jackpots are a major draw, Spain’s El Gordo de la Primitiva offers a different take on big lottery prizes.

6. El Gordo de la Primitiva

El Gordo de la Primitiva is one of Spain’s most popular lottery games, offering a guaranteed starting jackpot of €2 million. While its jackpots might not reach the astronomical levels of some global lotteries, it stands out with better odds and steady prize payouts. Deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, the game has also gained traction among international players, thanks to authorized online platforms.

The game uses a 5/54 + 1/10 format. Players pick five main numbers from 1 to 54 and an extra “Reintegro” number from 0 to 9. The “Reintegro” feature is unique and gives players the chance to recover their ticket cost, adding an extra layer of appeal.

El Gordo de la Primitiva stands out for its relatively favorable odds compared to other major lotteries. Its multi-tiered prize system and uncapped jackpots, which can grow through rollovers, strike a balance between frequent wins and exciting prize amounts. This mix of features has kept the lottery popular since it began.

While most players are based in Spain, international interest is steadily growing. El Gordo proves that reasonable odds and steady prizes can hold their own against lotteries offering giant jackpots. It offers a different kind of appeal, just as Australia Powerball brings its unique approach to jackpot thrills.

7. Australia Powerball

Australia Powerball is a standout in the global lottery scene. While its prizes may not rival the massive jackpots of its American counterpart, its format offers better odds and plenty of excitement for players worldwide.

The game involves picking 7 numbers from 1 to 35, plus a Powerball from 1 to 20. This setup creates a structure that’s easier to win compared to some other international lotteries. Thanks to online platforms, it’s now accessible to players outside of Australia too.

A historic moment came in 2019 when the jackpot hit AUD 160 million, setting a record in Australia. That prize was split among three lucky winners. Weekly Thursday draws keep the excitement alive, with jackpots rolling over until someone wins big.

The game offers features like QuickPick and nine prize tiers, making it appealing and accessible for players. A portion of ticket sales supports local programs and public services, adding a feel-good factor to every purchase. Tickets can be bought at retailers or online through The Lott, the official lottery operator in Australia.

With its attractive jackpots, better odds, and community-focused approach, Australia Powerball has earned its spot as one of the world’s most popular lotteries.

Conclusion

Looking at some of the world’s biggest lotteries, it’s evident that they provide both thrilling opportunities and important considerations for players. The US Powerball leads the pack with its record-setting $2.04 billion jackpot ^[1]. Meanwhile, lotteries like EuroMillions and Australia Powerball continue to draw attention with their distinct features and impressive prizes.

Here’s a quick comparison of odds and record jackpots for major lotteries:

While the allure of massive jackpots is undeniable, financial expert Sheldon H. Jacobson reminds us that lottery agencies often come out ahead. Each lottery offers something different: the US Powerball delivers jaw-dropping jackpots, while Australia Powerball provides better odds for players.

Cynthia P. Stafford’s $112 million Mega Millions win is a striking example of how life-changing these games can be. However, it’s crucial to approach such wins with financial responsibility. Keep in mind that a $2 ticket typically yields a return of just 25–32 cents, underlining the idea that lotteries are a form of entertainment, not a financial strategy.

These games fuel dreams of wealth while often contributing to social programs. Play responsibly, keeping it fun rather than an investment. Lotteries combine excitement and opportunity, but informed participation is key.

FAQs

What is the largest lottery winnings ever recorded?

The biggest lottery jackpot in history was a staggering $2.04 billion, claimed on November 7, 2022, in the US Powerball ^[1]. This dwarfed earlier records like the $1.537 billion Mega Millions jackpot in 2018 and the €230 million EuroMillions prize in 2022 ^[1].

These enormous jackpots are incredibly rare. While US lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions frequently offer the largest prizes, European lotteries such as EuroMillions and SuperEnalotto also deliver attractive jackpots that draw players globally ^[3].

It’s worth noting that lottery winnings are subject to hefty taxes, which vary depending on where the ticket is purchased, significantly reducing the final amount ^[3]. These record-breaking wins capture global attention, but they also serve as a reminder to play responsibly.