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Lottery vs. Lotto — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
A lottery involves a range of games with prizes, while Lotto specifically refers to a type of lottery where numbers are drawn.
Lottery vs. Lotto — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Lottery and Lotto

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Key Differences

Lotteries encompass a variety of games, including scratch-offs, raffles, and number draws, offering cash and prizes based on chance. Lotto, on the other hand, is a popular form of the lottery focused solely on number matching. Players select numbers hoping they match a drawn set to win.
Lottery games often have diverse rules and prize structures, ranging from instant win scratch cards to complex multi-state games. Whereas Lotto usually sticks to a straightforward approach: matching numbers drawn randomly to those on a player’s ticket.
The odds of winning in a lottery vary significantly across different games, with some offering better chances than others. Lotto games typically have fixed odds of winning, which are usually long due to the high number of potential number combinations.
Lotteries can be found worldwide and have a long history, often used to raise funds for public projects. Lotto, while a type of lottery, has gained specific popularity in many countries as a weekly ritual for those dreaming of hitting the jackpot.
Revenue from lottery games can be allocated to a wide range of public sectors, including education, parks, and funds for veterans. Revenue from Lotto games is also often directed towards public goods, but the scale and impact might differ due to the game's specific nature and popularity.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

A game of chance offering a variety of ways to win prizes.
A type of lottery where players match drawn numbers to win.

Game Types

Includes scratch-offs, raffles, and number draws.
Primarily focused on number draws.

Odds of Winning

Varies widely among the different games.
Typically fixed and often long due to many possible combinations.

Historical Use

Used globally for centuries to fund public projects.
A popular modern form of lottery with a similar purpose.

Revenue Allocation

Often supports a broad spectrum of public sectors.
Generally supports public sectors, but impact varies by popularity.

Compare with Definitions

Lottery

A situation whose outcome is governed by chance.
Finding a parking spot in the city is always a lottery.

Lotto

A gambling game with drawn numbers for prizes.
Winning the lotto changed their lives overnight.

Lottery

A system of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random.
She won a car in the local lottery.

Lotto

A game of chance in which players select numbers that they hope will match those drawn at random.
He played the same numbers in the lotto every week.

Lottery

Any contest or game where winners are selected by a random drawing.
The school's lottery for admission was highly competitive.

Lotto

A form of lottery that has become a weekly tradition for many.
Their family gathers to watch the lotto draw every Saturday night.

Lottery

A means of raising money by selling numbered tickets, one or more of which are subsequently drawn at random, the holder or holders winning a prize.
The annual lottery for charity was a big event in the town.

Lotto

A way to gamble by guessing which numbers will be drawn from a set.
They debated which numbers to choose for their lotto ticket.

Lottery

A game or event involving the drawing of lots for a prize.
They entered the lottery for the chance to see the premiere.

Lotto

A specific type of lottery focused on the drawing of numbers.
Lotto tickets are popular gifts during the holidays.

Lottery

A lottery is a form of gambling that involves the drawing of numbers at random for a prize. Some governments outlaw lotteries, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national or state lottery.

Lotto

A children's game similar to bingo, in which numbered or illustrated counters or cards are drawn by the players.

Lottery

A contest in which tokens are distributed or sold, the winning token or tokens being secretly predetermined or ultimately selected in a random drawing.

Lotto

A lottery.

Lottery

A selection made by lot from a number of applicants or competitors
The state uses a lottery to assign spaces in the campground.

Lotto

A game of chance similar to bingo.

Lottery

An activity or event regarded as having an outcome depending on fate
They considered combat duty a lottery.

Lotto

A lottery, typically with an accumulating jackpot, in which participants play numbers of their choice in a random drawing.

Lottery

A scheme for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance, especially a gaming scheme in which one or more tickets bearing particular numbers draw prizes, the other tickets are blanks.
Dave plays the lottery almost every week, but always picks different numbers.

Lotto

A game of chance similar to bingo

Lottery

(figuratively) Something decided by chance.
It's a bit of a lottery whether we'll get a good table in that diner.

Lotto

A lottery

Lottery

(obsolete) Allotment; a thing allotted.

Lotto

A game of chance, played with cards or tickets, on which are inscribed numbers, and any contrivance (as a wheel containing numbered balls) for determining a set of numbers by chance. The player holding a card having on it the set of numbers drawn from the wheel takes the stakes after a certain percentage of them has been deducted for the dealer. In some systems, lesser prizes are awarded for having some but not all of the numbers selected, such as four or five numbers in a six-number drawing. A variety of lotto is called keno. In another variety, the player chooses the numbers for the card or ticket s/he holds. There may be from three to seven different numbers on a card or ticket. In a modern computerized lotto system conducted by state authorities, the player chooses numbers, or allows the computer to choose numbers at random, which are then printed on a ticket that the player holds until the winning number is selected.

Lottery

A scheme for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance; esp., a gaming scheme in which one or more tickets bearing particular numbers draw prizes, and the rest of the tickets are blanks.

Lotto

A game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards

Lottery

Allotment; thing allotted.

Lottery

Something that is regarded as a chance event;
The election was just a lottery to them

Lottery

Players buy (or are given) chances and prizes are distributed according to the drawing of lots

Common Curiosities

Can you play Lotto and other lottery games online?

Yes, many countries offer online platforms to play Lotto and other lottery games, subject to local gambling laws.

What is a lottery?

A lottery is a form of gambling where people buy tickets with numbers and prizes are given to those whose numbers are drawn randomly.

How do lotteries raise funds?

Lotteries raise funds by selling tickets to participants; a portion of the ticket sales is allocated to prize pools, while the remainder supports public sectors.

Are the odds of winning a lottery or Lotto the same?

No, the odds of winning vary widely among lottery games and are typically fixed in Lotto games, often being quite long.

What kinds of prizes can you win in a lottery?

Lottery prizes range from cash, cars, and houses, to smaller prizes like tickets and gift cards.

What happens if no one wins a Lotto jackpot?

If no one wins the jackpot, the prize usually rolls over to the next draw, increasing in size until someone wins.

What's the biggest Lotto jackpot ever won?

Lotto jackpots can reach hundreds of millions or even over a billion dollars, with the biggest jackpots varying by country and game.

What is Lotto?

Lotto is a type of lottery game where players choose numbers in hopes of matching them to numbers drawn randomly to win prizes.

Is it better to play Lotto or other lottery games?

The choice depends on personal preference; Lotto offers simplicity and fixed odds, while other lottery games may offer more variety and better odds for smaller prizes.

Can I remain anonymous if I win the Lotto?

This depends on local laws; some places allow winners to remain anonymous, while others require disclosure.

How often do Lotto draws happen?

Lotto draws typically occur weekly, but the frequency can vary between different games and countries.

How are Lotto numbers drawn?

Lotto numbers are typically drawn using randomized machines or computer algorithms to ensure fairness.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery or Lotto?

The minimum age to play is usually 18, but it can vary depending on the country's or state's laws.

Can lottery or Lotto tickets be purchased in advance?

Yes, many lotteries allow you to purchase tickets in advance for multiple draws, up to a certain period.

Are lottery winnings taxable?

Yes, in many countries, lottery winnings are considered taxable income, but tax rules vary by jurisdiction.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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