France Lottery: Official Games, Rules and Results
The French lottery is run under a state-backed monopoly by La Française des Jeux (FDJ), the official operator. Its main games are Loto, EuroMillions and Keno. This page explains how they work, who can play, and what to check before taking part from outside France.
This site is informational. Tickets are purchased through regulated partners. Confirm current rules with the official operator before you play.
What is the France lottery?
In everyday use, “France lottery” and “French lottery” refer to the national lottery games operated by FDJ. France does not run an open lottery market. Lottery games are operated exclusively under government authorisation rather than offered in open competition between providers.
The term covers more than a single game. Alongside the flagship Loto draw, the French lottery range includes EuroMillions, Keno and scratch games. When people search for the “online lottery French” they may mean playing these games online, reading about them in English, or checking results and legality from another country.
A useful distinction to keep in mind is between official lottery games run under state authorisation and promotional or sweepstakes-style games, which are treated differently under French law.
Official French lottery games
All major French draws are operated by La Française des Jeux (FDJ), the official French lottery operator. The most played games:
EuroMillions France
FDJ — Pan-European
Popular- Part of the FDJ lottery range in France
- Played across multiple European countries
- Includes the France-only My Million raffle
- See the full page for current rules and odds
Loto France
FDJ — National draw game
Flagship- Pick 5 numbers (1–49) plus 1 Chance number (1–10)
- Draws on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- Minimum jackpot commonly listed at €2 million
- See the full page for prize tiers and odds
Keno & other games
FDJ range
More options- Keno is part of the FDJ game range
- FDJ also offers scratch games
- Check each game’s page for rules and odds
- Always confirm details with the official source
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How the French lottery works
Each game has its own format. For the French Loto, players choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 49 and 1 Chance number from 1 to 10. Draws take place three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
The minimum Loto jackpot is commonly presented as €2 million. Prize tiers and exact odds vary by game and can change, so check the dedicated game page and the official operator for current figures before you play.
Can you play the French lottery online?
FDJ sells official tickets within France. Access for players outside France is typically offered through licensed lottery ticket services that act as intermediaries rather than as lottery operators.
Whether you can use such a service, and under what conditions, depends on the laws in your own country. Rules around online lottery participation, eligibility and payouts differ between France and markets such as the UK, the US, Canada, India and South Africa. The available research does not confirm a single set of rules that applies everywhere, so check the legal position in your country and read the provider’s terms before signing up, paying or relying on any service.
Legal and tax basics
In France, lottery prizes are generally not taxed at the prize level for players. That does not mean winnings are automatically tax-free everywhere. Tax treatment for non-residents can differ depending on your country of residence, so the position in your own country may not match the French rule.
Lottery activity in France is overseen by the national gambling regulator, the ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux). If a tax or legal question affects a real decision, confirm it with an official source or a qualified adviser rather than relying on general summaries.
About La Française des Jeux (FDJ)
FDJ is the official operator of the French lottery and holds the exclusive right to run lottery games in France. Its game range includes Loto, EuroMillions, Keno and scratch games. Lottery activity in France operates under a government-backed monopoly structure rather than open competition.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | La Française des Jeux (FDJ), official French lottery operator |
| Market structure | Government-backed monopoly for lottery games |
| Regulator | ANJ — Autorité Nationale des Jeux |
| Main games | Loto, EuroMillions, Keno, scratch games |
| EuroMillions | Part of the FDJ range in France |
Recent changes in France
Based on recent regulatory coverage, France has placed stronger emphasis on responsible gambling, marketing restraint and operator limits, led by the ANJ. Scrutiny of operator marketing and of how games are promoted has increased over 2024 and 2025.
For players, the practical takeaway is to treat promotional claims with caution and to rely on official rules. Terms such as “best chance”, “guaranteed” or “safe winnings” do not reflect how lottery games actually work.
France lottery – frequently asked questions
Quick answers about how the French lottery works and how to play.
What is the official French lottery?
The French lottery is operated by La Française des Jeux (FDJ), which holds the exclusive right to run lottery games in France under a government-backed monopoly. Its main games include Loto and EuroMillions France.
Is French Loto the same as the France lottery?
Loto is the flagship French national draw game, but “France lottery” is a broader term that also covers EuroMillions, Keno and scratch games run by FDJ.
How do you play French Loto?
You pick 5 numbers from 1 to 49 and 1 Chance number from 1 to 10, then win prizes by matching the numbers drawn. See our how to play page for full details.
Can I play the French lottery online?
Official tickets are sold within France by FDJ. Access for players outside France is generally offered through licensed lottery services that act as intermediaries. Whether this is available to you depends on the laws in your country, so check your local rules and the provider’s terms first.
Is the French lottery legal in the UK, US, Canada, India or South Africa?
Rules on online lottery participation differ by country and the available research does not confirm a single answer that applies everywhere. Check the legal position in your own country before taking part. See our law and tax page for more context.
Are French lottery winnings taxed?
In France, lottery prizes are generally not taxed at the prize level for players. Tax treatment for non-residents can differ by country of residence, so you may still need to declare winnings where you live. See tax on French lottery winnings for non-residents.
When are French Loto draws held?
Loto draws take place three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. You can check the latest numbers on our draws and results page.
What is the minimum jackpot in French Loto?
The minimum Loto jackpot is commonly presented as €2 million. Confirm the current figure on the official operator’s site before you play.
Who regulates lottery games in France?
The national gambling regulator is the ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux), which oversees legal gambling activity in France, including lottery-related oversight.
Is EuroMillions part of the French lottery system?
Yes. EuroMillions is part of the FDJ game range in France and is also played across several other European countries.