Playing the lottery is a thrill, isn't it? The dream of hitting that big jackpot is something many of us share. If you've looked at a Lotto slip in South Africa, you might have seen options for "Lotto Plus." So, what exactly is Lotto Plus?

In simple terms, Lotto Plus gives you extra chances to win prizes using the same numbers you picked for the main Lotto draw, but in separate draws and for a small extra cost. There are actually two versions: Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2, offering you a second and third shot at winning with your chosen numbers.

When you buy a regular Lotto ticket, you pick six numbers from 1 to 52. Once you've done that, you have the option to add Lotto Plus.

Lotto Plus 1: Your Second Chance to Win

Lotto Plus 1 is the first extra draw you can opt into. It works just like the main Lotto draw, but it's a completely separate game. For an additional R2.50 per line, your main Lotto numbers are entered into the Lotto Plus 1 draw, which happens right after the main Lotto results are announced. This means if your numbers don't quite make it in the first draw, you still have another shot at a different jackpot and other prize divisions. I remember one time, I almost didn't tick the Lotto Plus 1 box. My friend convinced me, saying "What's an extra R2.50 for another chance?" I didn't win the jackpot that day, but I did match a few numbers in the Plus 1 draw, which covered the cost of my ticket and then some! It really made me appreciate that second chance.

Lotto Plus 2: A Third Opportunity

If you're feeling extra lucky, or just want to maximise your chances, you can also add Lotto Plus 2. This draw takes place after Lotto Plus 1. You can only play Lotto Plus 2 if you've already entered the main Lotto draw and Lotto Plus 1. It also costs an additional R2.50 per line, bringing the total cost for one line across all three games to R10. Again, your original Lotto numbers are used for this third draw. This means you get a third chance with the same set of numbers you carefully chose (or let Quick Pick choose for you!).

Why Play Lotto Plus?

The main reason people play Lotto Plus is simple: more chances to win. Even though the odds of winning the jackpot are the same for each draw, playing Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 means you're entered into three separate draws, each with its own set of prizes. The jackpots for Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 might sometimes be smaller than the main Lotto jackpot, but they can still be substantial and often roll over if there are no winners.

It’s like buying one meal but getting two extra desserts for a small fee – you're just extending the enjoyment and potential reward! Just last month, my neighbour was telling me about how he started playing Lotto Plus regularly. He always used to just play the main Lotto, but after seeing a few smaller Plus jackpots go unclaimed, he decided to add it on. He hasn't hit the big one yet, but he feels like he gets more "action" for his money, and he's won enough smaller prizes to keep him coming back.

The Lotto Plus draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday evening, typically around 8:56 PM SA time, immediately following the main Lotto draw. You can buy your tickets up to 30 minutes before the draw. Just remember that to play Lotto Plus 1, you must play Lotto, and to play Lotto Plus 2, you must play both Lotto and Lotto Plus 1. You don't pick new numbers for the Plus games; your original Lotto numbers are simply entered into the additional draws.

Thinking about playing Lotto Plus is a great way to add more excitement to your lottery experience. And hey, while you're thinking about smart ways to get more for your money, remember that you can earn real rewards by using the Points Castle App, which could help you save up for that next Lotto ticket, or even better, earn free airtime and vouchers for everyday needs.