Lottery games in Brazil started in 1962 with the introduction of the Federal Lottery.
Currently, Brazil hosts over 10 different lottery games, with draws happening every day except Sunday. The games feature frequent rollovers and quickly increasing jackpots due to the long odds and weekly schedule. Typically, Brazilian lotteries do not offer additional games or extra prize opportunities beyond the main draw.
Caixa Econômica Federal manages all Brazilian lottery games.
Dia de Sorte
Introduced in 2018, Dia de Sorte is the latest addition to Brazil’s lottery scene. In this game, players select numbers from 1 to 31, symbolizing the days of a month, and a number from 1 to 12, symbolizing a month of the year.
Dia de Sorte was designed for players to bet on significant dates. The draws for Dia de Sorte occur on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 20:00 local time.
Dupla Sena
Started in 2001, Dupla Sena is unique because it offers players two chances to win with just one ticket purchase, even though only one set of numbers is played per ticket.
Players get two entries because the game includes two separate draws. Both draws offer the same jackpot, but the second draw offers slightly smaller secondary prizes. Dupla Sena also has its draws on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 20:00 local time.
Federal Lottery
The Federal Lottery is the oldest lottery in Brazil and uniquely uses a raffle system instead of a standard lottery drawing. It offers some of the smaller prizes, but the format ensures there are winners every time. Draws for the Federal Lottery occur on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Lotofacil
Introduced in 2003, Lotofacil does not have a set starting jackpot, but the jackpots usually begin at about BRL 1.5 million. Players select 15 numbers out of 25, providing relatively good chances of winning. Lotofacil drawings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 20:00 local time.
LotoMania
Started in 1999, LotoMania is very popular throughout Brazil due to its unique format. It allows players to pick from 100 numbers, requiring 50 to play. To win the jackpot, participants must match 20 numbers or none at all. LotoMania has its draws on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 20:00 local time.
Mega Sena
Mega Sena started in 1996 and is famous for its Mega da Virada draw on New Year’s Eve. In this draw, players have a chance to win a guaranteed jackpot of at least BRL 300 million.
The chances of winning Mega Sena are very slim, and big jackpots happen often throughout the year. The draws for Mega Sena are held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 14:00 local time.
Quina
Quina hosts unique draws, such as the Quina de São João Super Draw every June. Similar to Mega Sena, Quina’s largest jackpots usually arise from these special events. Winning is challenging, which often results in many rollovers and big jackpots. Quina holds its draws nightly, except on Sundays, at 8 PM local time.
TimeMania
TimeMania, which started in 2008, is a traditional lottery where players pick 10 numbers out of 80. Similar to LotoMania, players don’t need to match all the numbers to win the jackpot; matching seven numbers is enough.
TimeMania often sees rollovers and, despite the lower starting jackpot, there have been significant wins in millions of Brazilian Real. The draws for TimeMania are on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at 20:00 local time.
What are the Largest Lottery Prizes in Brazil?
Brazilian lotteries often have rollover prizes with no limits on jackpots, so large prizes are frequently won.
The largest wins in Brazil’s lottery history happened during the Mega Sena draw on New Year’s Eve.
The top three prizes were:
- BRL 306.7 million on December 31, 2017.
- BRL 304.2 million on December 31, 2019.
- BRL 302.5 million on December 31, 2018.
Do Brazilian Lottery Winners Pay Taxes?
A 13.8% tax is taken from all Brazilian lottery winnings directly by the operator. The jackpot amounts advertised are what winners receive after tax is deducted.
How to Buy Lottery Tickets in Brazil?
You can buy tickets from lottery sellers throughout Brazil or online.
Can foreign players participate in Brazilian lottery games?
Yes, certain Brazilian lotteries allow international players to join via designated lottery agent websites.
What is the Minimum Age to Play Lotteries in Brazil?
You must be 18 to participate.
How to Collect Brazilian Lottery Winnings?
You must claim your prize within 90 days.
For small prizes, go to any lottery vendor in Brazil. For big prizes, you must contact the lottery company.
If you play online in Brazil, your prize money goes straight into your bank account. If you are an international player, it goes into your lottery agent account.
How is the Money from Brazilian Lotteries Used?
48% of the money goes to good causes, mainly to support health, education, sports, and culture.
