Is the lottery still happening with the corona virus?

Lottery suspension overview

In the table below, we've provided a quick overview of the current availability of the various lotto bets we offer. The table will be updated regularly, and if any other games are affected by the recent circumstances, you'll be the first to know. 

* In South Africa sale of lotto tickets at retailers is prohibited during lockdown. Lotto players are advised to place their bets online.

** SuperEnalotto draws are scheduled to re-start on the 4^th of May.

*** Sunday Lotto’s first draw scheduled on Sunday, 31^st of May

South Africa prohibits sale of lottery tickets at retailers

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) of South Africa issued a statement on Saturday, 25 April that the sales of lottery tickets at retailers will no longer be allowed during the state of lockdown in South Africa. This was issued after a media briefing on Saturday with Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel who said that the lottery is not classified as an essential service and tickets may not be sold during the Covid-19 lockdown. During the lockdown period, lotto players are advised to place their bets online.

Italian SuperEnalotto draws to restart

Ticket sales and draws for SuperEnalotto are scheduled to start on the 4^th of May, after a 6-week suspension due to measurements taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This was announced after a decree was issued at the end of April, signed by Marcello Minenna, the director of The Customs and Monopolies Agency. It stated that the ticket sales will reopen on the 4^th of May and the next draw for SuperEnalotto will take place on the 5^th of May. It also stated that the draws will be in compliance with the health measures during this time. Due to the health threat, it is still the safest to place your SuperEnaLotto bet online once the draws continue.

Sunday Lotto restarting its draws 

Lottery Administrations has been closed since mid-March when lockdown measurements were implemented in Spain. Spain was the first European country which decided to freeze all lottery operations. Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE) the Spanish state-owned lottery operator announced that it would suspend all lottery ticket sales, both offline and online, from Monday March 16th until the COVID-19 emergency status in Spain is in place.

The SALAE, State Society for State Lotteries and Bets, sent out a letter to their sales network stating that lottery draws could resume towards the end of May. Spain Lotto - Sunday Lotto’s first draw will therefore take place on Sunday, 31 May. All lottery outlets will have to conform to the new safety regulations, in order to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. 

Which lotteries are suspended at the moment?

Sunday Lotto (Spain Lotto)

The Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE) the Spanish state-owned lottery operator announced that all Spanish lottery draws and sales are suspended until the period for emergency associated with the coronavirus outbreak is over.

Hong Kong Mark VI Lotto

Mark VI Lotto has been suspended by its operators the Hong Kong Jockey Club until further notice in order to stem chances of spreading the coronavirus in offline vendors. 

Mexico Melate

In accordance with the suspension of non-essential activities, the National Lottery for Public Assistance announced that all raffles, including Melate will be suspended. The suspension of scheduled Melate draws will continue until 30 April. The draws will resume once confirmation is received from authorities to do so.

Stay safe

Check back here for the most up-to-date information on which lotteries are still running during the Covid-19 pandemic. For now, stay home and enjoy playing the lottery online until the quarantine has passed. Until then, wishing everyone to stay healthy and happy during the days ahead.

Updated 13. 5. 2020