Lottery in Switzerland: all games, results, jackpots & rules

Swiss Lotto: 6 from 42 + Lucky Number

Swiss Lotto is Switzerland's main lottery. Since 12 January 2013, 6 numbers from 42 have been drawn every Wednesday and Saturday; players also choose a Lucky Number from 1 to 6. Only 6 matches plus the right Lucky Number win the jackpot (odds 1 in 31,474,716). 6 matches without the Lucky Number share CHF 1 million, and 5 matches without it pay a fixed CHF 1,000. One line costs CHF 2.50. The jackpot has been won 72 times since 2013. Switzerland also plays EuroMillions and EuroDreams.

Two lottery companies

The lotteries belong to the cantons: Swisslos serves German- and Italian-speaking Switzerland, Loterie Romande the French-speaking part. Both sell the same games with the same draws, and their profits fund good causes in culture, sport and social projects. They are supervised by Gespa.

Tax and minimum age

Under the Gambling Act, lottery winnings are tax-free up to CHF 1 million per win. On anything above that, the operator withholds 35% withholding tax, which is refunded once the prize is declared as income – the actual tax then depends on the canton. Swisslos sells all its products from age 18; at Loterie Romande the limit for draw games is 16.

Why Swiss Lotto?

With 42 numbers, the chance of six matches (1 in 5,245,786) is far better than in most European lotteries; the Lucky Number makes the jackpot itself harder to hit. The comparison above shows price, odds and current expected value of Swiss Lotto, EuroMillions and EuroDreams.