Lotto 6aus49 Guide

How the Game Works

Players select 6 numbers from a pool of 1 to 49. The lottery draws 6 winning numbers from the same pool, then draws 2 additional supplementary numbers from the remaining 43 balls. A ticket costs 1 euro per play.

Your prize tier depends on how many of your 6 numbers match the drawn numbers, and whether you match either of the 2 supplementary balls. Matching all 6 main numbers wins the jackpot. Matching 5 main numbers plus 1 supplementary ball places you in the second tier. The structure allows players to win prizes across 9 distinct tiers, with smaller prizes for matching 3 main numbers.

The game uses a pari-mutuel structure for most prize tiers, meaning the pool available for each tier is fixed as a percentage of total ticket sales. The jackpot begins at a guaranteed minimum and rolls over if not won, accumulating until a ticket matches all 6 main numbers.

Prize Tiers and Odds

Lotto 6aus49 distributes winnings across 9 prize classes. The structure balances frequent smaller wins against rarer large payouts.

Tier 1 (Jackpot): Match 6 numbers. Probability is 1 in 13,983,816. The jackpot begins at 1 million euros and increases with rollovers.

Tier 2: Match 5 main numbers plus 1 supplementary. Probability is 1 in 2,330,636. Prize amounts vary based on ticket sales.

Tier 3: Match 5 main numbers only. Probability is 1 in 55,491.

Tier 4: Match 4 main numbers plus 1 supplementary. Probability is 1 in 22,196.

Tier 5: Match 4 main numbers only. Probability is 1 in 1,083.

Tier 6: Match 3 main numbers plus 1 supplementary. Probability is 1 in 1,066.

Tier 7: Match 3 main numbers only. Probability is 1 in 56.66.

Tier 8: Match 2 main numbers plus 1 supplementary. Probability is 1 in 188.83.

Tier 9: Match 2 main numbers plus both supplementary balls. Probability is 1 in 188.83.

The overall probability of winning any prize is approximately 1 in 54. This calculation includes all 9 tiers and reflects the combined odds of landing at least a tier 9 win.

Draw Schedule and Timing

Lotto 6aus49 draws occur twice weekly: on Wednesday evenings and Saturday evenings. Both draws follow the same format and use independent ball machines.

Ticket sales for each draw close at specific times on the respective days. Players must submit tickets before the cutoff to be included in that draw. Results are published immediately after the draw concludes, and winners have a specified period (typically 3 years) to claim prizes.

The two-draw structure gives players regular opportunities to participate without waiting a full week between chances. Historical draws and results are maintained in public records by the operator.

Odds, Expected Value, and Syndicate Maths

The expected value of a single 1-euro ticket is negative, as with all lottery products. The operator retains approximately 50% of ticket revenue for prize distribution, regulatory fees, and operational costs. The remaining ticket cost represents the mathematical cost to the player of participation.

A player buying 1 ticket per draw, twice weekly for 52 weeks, will spend approximately 104 euros per year. Historical data shows that average annual returns from tier wins fall short of this outlay. Participation carries entertainment value but no positive mathematical expectation.

Syndicates pool tickets among multiple players, increasing coverage of number combinations without changing the underlying odds of any single combination. A 10-person syndicate buying one ticket per draw covers more combinations than a solo player, but each person's probability of winning the jackpot remains unchanged. Syndicates do improve the odds of landing any prize within the group, though winnings must be divided. Tax implications for syndicate members depend on whether the group is registered as a formal entity.

Tax Treatment in Germany

Lotto winnings in Germany are subject to income tax and, in some cases, additional levies depending on the prize amount and the winner's state of residence.

Winnings below 1,000 euros are typically not subject to mandatory tax withholding at the point of payout. Winnings of 1,000 euros or more result in automatic tax deduction of 26.375% plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag), totaling approximately 31.88% on the amount exceeding 1,000 euros. This withholding is applied by the lottery operator before payment to the winner.

However, winners remain responsible for declaring lottery income on their annual tax return. Depending on individual circumstances and state residence, additional tax obligations may apply beyond the withholding. Winners are advised to consult a tax professional to understand their specific liability.

Prizes from lotteries operated outside Germany but played by German residents may face different tax treatment. Winnings are considered income and must be reported accordingly.