France Lotteries – Frequently Asked Questions
On this page you will find answers to the most common questions about French Loto, EuroMillions France, draws, results, tax rules and how to play online.
General questions about France lotteries
What are the main lotteries in France?
The main national lotteries in France are
Loto
and EuroMillions France,
which are offered alongside additional games and raffles.
What is the difference between French Loto and EuroMillions France?
French Loto is a national lottery drawn three times per week with jackpots starting in the low millions, while EuroMillions is a multi-country lottery with much larger jackpots and a special French raffle called My Million.
You can compare the main games on our
French lotteries compared page.
Who can play France lotteries?
Any player who is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to gamble in their jurisdiction can buy tickets for France lotteries, either in physical outlets in France or via authorised online services.
Can foreigners or non-residents play French lotteries?
Yes, non-residents can participate in French Loto and EuroMillions France as long as they purchase official tickets or use a licensed online lottery service that acts on their behalf.
Playing French Loto
How do you play the French Loto?
To play French Loto you select 5 main numbers from 1 to 49 and 1 Chance number from 1 to 10.
Prizes are awarded for matching the numbers drawn, with the top prize paid for matching all 5 main numbers plus the Chance number.
See our full guide:
How to play French lotteries in 2026.
How much does it cost to play French Loto?
A standard French Loto line costs around €2 when you play in France.
Prices can be higher on international lottery websites because of service fees and currency conversion.
When are French Loto draws held?
French Loto draws are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
You can see the latest numbers and prize breakdowns on our
draws and results page.
What is the minimum French Loto jackpot?
The French Loto jackpot usually starts at a guaranteed minimum of around €2 million and increases each time it is not won.
How high can the French Loto jackpot go?
The jackpot can roll over multiple times up to a maximum limit, after which a rolldown applies and the prize fund is distributed among winners in lower prize tiers.
Odds, prizes and payouts
What are the odds of winning the French Loto jackpot?
The odds of winning the top French Loto prize by matching 5 main numbers plus the Chance number are roughly 1 in 19 million.
What are the odds of winning any prize in French Loto?
The overall odds of winning any prize are much better than the jackpot odds and are typically around 1 in 6 to 1 in 8, depending on the current prize structure.
How are French Loto prizes paid out?
French Loto prizes are usually paid as a single lump sum.
Smaller prizes can often be collected at authorised retailers or credited to your online account, while large jackpots are paid by bank transfer after identity checks.
Are French lottery winnings taxable?
In France, lottery winnings are generally paid out tax-free at source.
However, players may need to declare their prize and pay taxes in their country of residence.
For more information, see
Law and tax and
Tax on French lottery winnings for non-residents.
How long do I have to claim a French Loto prize?
If you buy a physical ticket in France, you normally have a limited period (often around 60 days) to claim your prize.
When you play online, smaller winnings are usually credited automatically to your player account.
EuroMillions France and raffles
What is EuroMillions France?
EuroMillions France is the French participation in the pan-European EuroMillions lottery, sharing the main draw with other countries but offering exclusive extras such as the My Million raffle.
You can learn more on our
EuroMillions & My Million raffle page.
What is the My Million raffle?
The My Million (Mon Million) raffle guarantees at least one player in France a €1,000,000 prize in every EuroMillions draw through a unique code linked to eligible tickets.
What is the French Loto Raffle?
The French Loto Raffle is an additional game linked to Loto tickets that guarantees several fixed prizes in each draw using automatically generated raffle codes.
Are there other French lottery games?
Yes, there are additional games such as Keno operated by the French lottery.
For an overview of Keno, visit
Keno FDJ from France.
Online play and security
Can I play France lotteries online from abroad?
Yes, many players outside France join French Loto and EuroMillions France by using licensed lottery messenger or betting services that either purchase official tickets or allow you to bet on the outcome of the draws.
How do I know if an online France lottery service is legitimate?
A legitimate service will clearly display its licence details, use secure payment methods, publish transparent terms and conditions, and provide verifiable contact information and customer support.
You can find ours on the
About us and
Contact us pages.
What happens if I win while playing online?
Smaller prizes are normally credited directly to your player balance or paid back to your chosen payment method.
In the case of a major win, the operator will contact you and may require identity verification before arranging a bank transfer.
Responsible play
What is the minimum age to play France lotteries?
The minimum age to buy lottery tickets in France is 18, and reputable online platforms will verify your age during registration.
How can I play France lotteries responsibly?
Set a clear budget, never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, avoid chasing losses, and use self-exclusion or deposit limit tools if you feel you are losing control.
Which charities does the French lottery support?
A significant share of French lottery revenue supports public causes and charities in France.
For more background on this topic, visit
Which charity supports La Française des Jeux.