Have you ever considered playing the lottery in Portugal? Have you ever wondered how the lottery works? Portugal’s lottery system is a well-established and beloved institution, and there are a variety of games to choose from that cater to a wide range of participants. For the Portuguese, a loteria (the lottery) provides both entertainment and the potential for life-changing prizes. Let’s explore the biggest lottery games in Portugal including the Christmas lottery and let you know how you can participate.
EuroMillions
One of the most popular lottery games in Portugal is EuroMillions, known locally as Euromilhões. Introduced in 2004, this transnational lottery is played across nine European countries including Portugal . Participants select five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two “Lucky Stars” from 1 to 12, with the aim to match all seven numbers to win the jackpot. You can also try a Lucky Dip and go for randomly selected numbers. Draw days occur every Tuesday and Friday. The starting jackpot is €17 million, but it can roll over to reach staggering amounts up to €250 million. Of the nine participating countries, 12.4% of the prize money has gone to Portugal (France is currently #1, with 28.6%). Each ticket costs €2.50.
Portugal has been home to some remarkable EuroMillions wins, including the largest prize in the country’s history: a €213.8 million jackpot won in Porto on June 25, 2024. Other significant wins include a €190 million prize claimed in Castelo Branco in 2014 and a €163.5 million prize won in Eiras in 2015.
Totoloto – Portugal’s National Favorite
In addition to EuroMillions, Portugal’s national lottery game, Totoloto, has been a favorite since its inception in 1985. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 49 and an additional “Lucky Number” from 1 to 13. The jackpot begins at €1 million and grows with each rollover until a winner is picked. The game’s largest jackpot to date was €18.9 million, which was awarded in October 2015. Totoloto draws occur twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Each ticket costs €1.
M1lhão
M1lhão is a unique addition to the EuroMillions experience and is only available to Portuguese players. Each EuroMillions ticket purchased in Portugal automatically includes a code for the M1lhão draw, which guarantees a €1 million prize every Friday. This supplementary game has created numerous millionaires and adds an extra layer of anticipation to the EuroMillions draws. Portugal’s most recent winner was in Braga on January 17, 2025. You are automatically entered into M1hão when you purchase a EuroMillions ticket, with €2.20 going towards the main game and €0.30 going towards M1lhão.
EuroDreams
The newest addition to the Portuguese lottery lineup is EuroDreams, which was only launched in November 2023. Played across eight European countries, EuroDreams offers a top prize structured as an annuity: €20,000 per month for 30 years, totaling €7.2 million. Players choose six numbers from 1 to 40 and one “Dream Number” from 1 to 5. The game also includes secondary prizes, such as €2,000 per month for five years. EuroDreams draws are held every Monday and Thursday. Each ticket costs €2.50.
How to Play the Lottery in Portugal
For those interested in participating, playing the lottery in Portugal is quite straightforward. Tickets can be purchased from authorized retailers, including cafes, gas stations, and convenience stores, or online through official platforms. Winnings of up to €150 can be claimed at any authorized retailer, while prizes between €150 and €5,000 are typically paid via bank transfer. Amounts exceeding €5,000 require verification by the Santa Casa Gaming Department and are subject to a 20% tax.
Lotaria Clássica do Natal
We’ve learned about Portugal’s regular lottery games, but did you also know that there is a special Christmas lottery every year? The Lotaria Clássica do Natal, or Christmas Lottery, is a beloved tradition organized by Santa Casa da Misericórdia. Held during the festive season, this lottery features a top prize of €250,000. Tickets for the Christmas Lottery cost €15 each, which makes it an affordable way for families and friends to share in the holiday excitement. This special lottery drawing is televised and has become an integral part of Portugal’s holiday celebrations. Sales for the Christmas Lottery, a tradition held since the 1950s, hit a 10-year-high in 2024 due to enhanced logistics and distribution of lottery tickets.
Famous Portuguese Lottery Winners
Portugal has produced some famous lottery winners, with stories that have captured the nation’s imagination. Among them is the recent record-breaking €213.8 million EuroMillions jackpot winner from Porto in 2024. The winner reportedly spent over €4500 on tickets. Another memorable win was the €190 million prize won in Castelo Branco in 2014, which was the maximum jackpot allowed at the time. These winners not only changed their own lives but also put the spotlight on Portugal as a lucky place for winners.
How much does it cost to play the lottery in Portugal?
Ticket prices vary by game. EuroMillions costs €2.50 per line, Totoloto is €1 per entry, and EuroDreams costs €2.50 per line. The Christmas Lottery tickets are priced at €15 each.
What is the biggest lottery prize ever won in Portugal?
The largest lottery prize in Portugal’s history is a €213.8 million EuroMillions jackpot, won in Porto on June 25, 2024.
How are lottery winnings taxed in Portugal?
Prizes on all lottery games that we’ve mentioned exceeding €5,000 are subject to a 20% stamp tax. When you place a bet on a State social game, you pay 4.5% at the time of purchase as stamp duty.
Please also note that prizes are not subject to income tax, so they have no effect on or implications for the winner’s annual income tax return. When you collect the prize, you will receive a declaration from Santa Casa da Misericórdia that you must keep for four years, in the event of an audit or investigation by the tax authorities to prove where you got the money.
Who can play the lottery in Portugal?
Individuals playing the lottery in Portugal need to be 18 and over to play.
