The new rules will be introduced ahead of the draw on 17 May, marking the first time that Oz Lotto has been updated since October 2005.
What is changing?
Two new balls will be added to the number pool, so that players can choose from a range of 1 to 47 rather than 1 to 45 than it is currently. There will continue to be seven main numbers drawn, but three supplementary numbers will also be selected (up from the existing two).
These changes will impact the odds. The chances of winning the Division prize will shift from 1 in 45,379,620 to 1 in 62,891,499, but the overall chances of receiving a prize will improve from 1 in 55 to 1 in 51.
All of the prize categories are staying the same, so it will still be possible to win by matching as few as three main numbers and one supplementary.
The starting jackpot will rise from AU$2 million to AU$3 million, laying the platform potentially for some larger Division 1 prizes than have been seen in recent years. There is no jackpot cap in Oz Lotto, so the top prize can keep growing until it is won. The record for the biggest Oz Lotto jackpot in history stands at AU$111 million and dates back to November 2012.
There will also be ‘Prize Boost’ events, when prize amounts in the non-jackpot categories will be increased. To pay for all these changes, the cost of a ticket will go up by AU$0.10 per entry.
The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart said the game enhancements would be welcomed by players. “Players told us they wanted Oz Lotto to offer the potential for more winners and bigger prizes, and that’s exactly what we’ve given them,” he said.
“Oz Lotto has a history of delivering big multi-million-dollar jackpots every Tuesday, and these enhancements will allow us to continue to provide value to players.”
