Luxembourg lotteries — possible winnings, laws and more
In this article we will tell you all about lotteries in Luxembourg, the rules of playing and winning lotteries, legal offices organizing lotteries and much more.
In Europe, the first lotteries were held in Roman times as entertainment at dinner parties. Guests were given tickets and the prizes were painted dishes. Over time, the lottery became a game of chance, with objects and money being drawn on tickets. It is in this form that lotteries have survived to this day.
Lotteries are legal in Luxembourg. But there are nuances.
The National Lottery of Luxembourg was first established in 1945, with the primary goal to aid post-war reconstruction efforts.
The legal landscape of lotteries in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, the primary legislation overseeing gambling activities is the Gambling Law established in 1977. The initial clause of this law clearly states that gambling is prohibited within the country, emphasizing the concern over its potential to lead to irrational and destructive behavior among participants. This strict stance reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and mitigating the risks associated with gambling.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for issuing licenses for activities such as lotteries, online betting, and casino games. However, it is important to note that permits for lotteries are exclusively granted when the event's purpose is to support public benefits, charitable causes, or projects related to fields like religion, science, art, education, sports, and tourism. This ensures that such gambling activities contribute positively to the community and support meaningful causes.
The 1979 regulation established the legal framework for casinos: licensing conditions and a list of authorized games. There is only one authorized casino operator and it is Casino 2000 Montdorf.
In Luxembourg, the rules and regulations surrounding gambling apply uniformly to both land-based and online formats.
The National Lottery holds the exclusive rights as the sole licensed online gambling entity in the country. This organization oversees and conducts all activities related to online lotteries and sports betting, ensuring a regulated and controlled environment for these types of gambling.
The Luxembourg government does not block gambling websites from other countries where online gambling is legal.
In Luxembourg, contests, complimentary lotteries, and lottery drawings fall outside the category of gambling and, as such, do not necessitate obtaining a license. These activities are exempt from the strict regulations and licensing requirements that apply to traditional gambling, providing more flexibility for organizations and individuals to conduct them.
Luxembourg lottery legislation to look up
- Law of 15 February 1882 on lotteries, Mem. 1882 129;
- Grand-Ducal Decree of 13 July 1945 establishing the National Lottery, Mem. 1945, 392;
- Act of 20 April 1977 on the exploitation of gambling and related paris sporting events, items 1 and 2, Mem. 1977, 548.
The exact amount of tax depends on the amount of income — Luxembourg has a progressive tax system. The more you earn, the higher your taxes. There is an upper limit: starting from an income of 200,000 euros per year, you will pay 42%, and this percentage will not increase even if you start receiving dozens of times more money.
Calculate your taxes now
Find out more about income taxes and manage them with our tax calculator
Popular lottery games in Luxembourg
Lottery games are a favorite among Luxembourg players both online and offline. Lottery tickets can be purchased at the following lottery centres. They usually vary in rules and the game itself, as well as the price of the ticket and possible winning sum.
The game operates on a 6/49 format, meaning participants choose six numbers out of a possible 49. Additionally, there are two supplementary games, Super 6 and Spiel 77, that players can opt to partake in for an enhanced gaming experience.
For those interested in trying their luck with the Lotto, entry forms can be conveniently validated through any authorized National Lottery agent or directly via the official National Lottery website.
The odds of winning the Lotto are 1 in 125,854,344.
How to play?
- Select 6 main numbers from 1 to 49.
- Pick 1 bonus number from 0 to 9.
- Buy a ticket
- Match the numbers to win the jackpot.
Additionally, Luxembourg offers the Extra Lux game as an optional add-on to EuroMillions, providing players with the opportunity to win extra prizes up to €100,000. This game involves matching a specific series of numbers from the EuroMillions ticket, with certain numbers discounted.
Beyond the excitement of the game, EuroMillions also plays a crucial role in supporting community projects across Luxembourg. Funds raised from ticket sales contribute to various social, cultural, and sports initiatives, demonstrating the lottery's commitment to giving back to the community.
The chance of winning EuroMillions is 1 in 139,838,160, the results are on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8.
How to play?
- Select 5 main numbers from 1 to 50.
- Select 2 bonus numbers from 1 to 12.
- Buy a ticket.
- Match the numbers to win the jackpot.
Scratch cards can be played online at Luxembourg lottery ticket sites: don't scratch the screen though, just click.
How to participate in the lottery in Luxembourg
Playing the online and offline lottery is elementary for both Luxembourg citizens and residents. The game is based on three simple actions.
Lottery proceeds not only go to charitable causes, social projects and community initiatives but also literally help fight the climate crisis. The People's Postcode Lottery has millions of players, and everyone who buys a ticket cooperates with Greenpeace and helps to preserve nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are lottery winnings taxable in Luxembourg
How long does it take for a lottery winner to receive their winnings
Some lotteries transfer small winnings immediately to the winner's card. Larger winnings may take up to 60 days to be credited to your account.
What is the largest lottery jackpot in history
The record was set in 2022 in California with a prize of $2.04 billion.
Can non-residents purchase lottery tickets while visiting Luxembourg
Yes, but they can only be used if a lottery is international (like EuroMillions) and takes place in the buyer's country, which allows the use of tickets from abroad. You cannot participate in Luxembourg local lotteries.
Where can I play slots in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg (as well as in France and Greece) slot machines are prohibited by law. The only place in Luxembourg where you can legally play slots is at Casino 2000 Montdorf. The slot machines are located in a separate room.
Source: choicecasino.com, chronicle.lu, www.statista.com, www.buyinglotterytickets.com, www.euro-millions.com, chronicle.lu
We took photos from these sources: Unsplash by Waldemar
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