Brazil introduced lottery games in 1962 with the launch of the Federal Lottery.
Today, the country offers more than 10 different lottery games, with draws held almost daily except on Sundays. Since jackpots roll over frequently due to low odds of winning, prize amounts tend to grow quickly.
Most lotteries focus only on the main draw without additional games or bonus prize options. The Caixa Econômica Federal oversees all lottery operations in Brazil.
Dia de Sorte
Introduced in 2018, Dia de Sorte is the newest lottery in Brazil. Players pick numbers from 1 to 31 to represent days of the month and a number from 1 to 12 for the month itself.
Dia de Sorte is designed for players to gamble on meaningful dates, which influences their choice of numbers. The draws for Dia de Sorte occur on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at 20:00 local time.
Dupla Sena
Starting in 2001, Dupla Sena is unique as it offers two chances to win with one ticket. Players use the same number set for both entries, which are included in the ticket price.
Both draws offer the same jackpot, although the second draw has slightly smaller secondary prizes. Dupla Sena also has its draws on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at 20:00 local time.
Federal Lottery
The Federal Lottery is the oldest lottery game in Brazil. It is unique because it uses a raffle system, not a typical lottery draw. Although the prizes are smaller, there are always winners. The draws occur on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Lotofacil
Lotofacil began in 2003. It is the only Brazilian lottery without a set minimum jackpot. The starting jackpot is usually about BRL 1.5 million. Players pick 15 out of 25 numbers, which increases their chances of winning a prize. Draws for Lotofacil are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 20:00.
LotoMania
LotoMania started in 1999 and is very popular in Brazil. It allows players to choose from 100 numbers, needing 50 to play. To win the jackpot, players must match 20 numbers or none at all. LotoMania has its draws on Tuesday and Friday nights at 20:00.
Mega Sena
Started in 1996, Mega Sena is famous for its New Year’s Eve draw named Mega de Virada. This draw offers a guaranteed jackpot starting at BRL 300 million. The chances of winning Mega Sena are slim, with regular rollovers and large jackpots occurring all year. The draws are held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 14:00 local time.
Quina
Quina is known for its special draws, like the annual Quina de São João Super Draw in June. Similar to Mega Sena, Quina’s biggest jackpots are in these special draws. With tough odds and this structure, big jackpots and rollovers happen often. Quina’s draws are every night except Sunday, at 20:00 local time.
TimeMania
Introduced in 2008, TimeMania is a lottery where players pick 10 numbers from 80. Unlike LotoMania, winning the jackpot here requires matching just seven numbers.
TimeMania also sees frequent rollovers and, although it starts with the smallest jackpot, there have been significant wins. Draws are on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at 20:00 local time.
What are the Largest Lottery Wins in Brazil?
Brazilian lotteries often have no limits on jackpots or rollovers, which results in very large prizes frequently.
The largest wins in Brazilian lotteries have taken place during the Mega Sena New Year’s Eve special draw.
The top three jackpots are:
- 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 Winnings Get Taxed?
A 13.8% tax is applied to all Brazilian lottery winnings, and this is taken out by the lottery operator. The jackpot amounts advertised are the amounts after tax has been removed.
How to Buy Lottery Tickets in Brazil?
You can buy tickets either online or from lottery sellers throughout Brazil.
Can Foreigners Play Brazilian Lottery Games?
Yes, various Brazilian lotteries are accessible through certain online lottery agents.
What is the Minimum Age to Play Brazilian Lotteries?
You must be 18 years old to participate in Brazilian lottery games.
How Can I Collect Brazilian Lottery Winnings?
Winnings must be claimed within 90 days. Smaller prizes can be collected at lottery vendors in Brazil. Larger winnings require direct contact with the lottery operator. Local online players receive payments in their bank accounts, while international players get funds in their lottery agent accounts.
How is the Money from Brazilian Lotteries Used?
48% of the money supports social causes. This funding primarily goes to health, education, sports, and culture programs.
