The Biggest Lotteries in South America: Mega-Sena, Baloto & Co.
While US and European lotteries often make global headlines, South America hosts some of the most exciting and massive draws in the world. From Brazil's record-breaking Mega-Sena to Colombia's beloved Baloto, let's explore the biggest lotteries across the continent.
Mega-Sena: The Brazilian Giant
When talking about South American lotteries, Mega-Sena is impossible to ignore. Operated by the Caixa Econômica Federal since 1996, it is by far the largest and most popular lottery on the continent.
The gameplay is simple: players choose 6 numbers out of 60. There are three weekly draws (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). With jackpot odds of 1 in 50,063,860, Mega-Sena offers better odds than US lotteries or Eurojackpot.
The Highlight: Mega da Virada
Every New Year's Eve, the 'Mega da Virada' takes place. A portion of ticket sales throughout the year funds a massive jackpot for this special draw. The catch: The jackpot cannot roll over. If no one matches all 6 numbers, the prize money goes to the winners of the second tier (5 correct numbers).
More from Brazil: Quina & Lotofácil
Quina
In Quina, players select 5 numbers out of 80. Draws take place an incredible six times a week! The jackpot odds are roughly 1 in 24 million, and the record jackpot reached nearly 33 million Reais.
Lotofácil
As the name suggests ('Easy Lotto'), it's easier to win here. You pick 15 numbers out of 25. The annual special draw 'Lotofácil de Independência' in September generates massive prize pools of up to 100 million Reais.
Baloto (Kolumbien / Colombia)
Colombia's biggest lottery is a nationwide phenomenon.
Baloto is the undisputed number one in Colombia. The gameplay requires selecting 5 numbers from 43 plus an additional number ('Super Balota') from 1 to 16. The jackpot odds are 1 in 15.4 million – making Baloto a lottery with very fair odds in international comparison.
The record jackpot of 117 billion Colombian Pesos (COP) in 2012 sent the whole country into lottery fever.
The Biggest Wins
Did You Know?
Quini 6 (Argentinien)
In Argentina, 'Quini 6' is the top dog. The game offers different modes ('Tradicional', 'La Segunda', 'Revancha') with the same ticket.
Loto Chile
Operated by Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, the 6/41 game is extremely popular and funds numerous social projects in Chile.
Taxes in Brazil
Unlike some European countries, Brazil levies a hefty 30% income tax on lottery winnings, which is deducted directly at the source.
Mega da Virada TV
The Mega-Sena New Year's Eve draw is a TV event in Brazil, watched live by millions – much like the Super Bowl.