How to Play The Pools
Where football meets fortune
About The Pools
The Pools is unlike anything else in Australian lotteries — the winning numbers come from the results of international football matches, not a random draw. Six numbers from 1 to 38 are generated based on match scores. Draws happen Wednesday and Saturday evenings, timed to the football fixtures. It's an unusual crossover of sport and lottery.
How to Play
Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 38, or QuickPick. Each game costs $1.00. The winning numbers are worked out from selected international football match results using a formula that converts scores into numbers. Tickets close before the first match kicks off. Available at most outlets and online through The Lott.
Number Selection
- Select 6 main numbers from 1 to 38
Odds and Prize Divisions
Division 1 odds are about 1 in 2,760,681 — much better than Powerball or Oz Lotto. Because the odds are shorter, prizes tend to be smaller — Division 1 typically ranges from $50,000 to over $500,000. About 1 in 55 entries wins something across the 6 prize divisions.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Division 1 Odds | 1 in 2,760,681 |
| Prize Divisions | 6 |
| Starting Jackpot | $50,000+ |
Tips for Playing The Pools
The Pools has some of the best top-prize odds of any Australian lottery. The trade-off is smaller prizes. It draws on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so you can pair it with your Lotto entries on those nights. Despite the football connection, the results are effectively random from a player's perspective — there's no way to predict the scores.
Where to Buy The Pools Tickets
The Pools tickets are available at authorised lottery outlets across Australia, including newsagents and selected retail stores. You can also purchase tickets online through The Lott official website (thelott.com) or via The Lott mobile app. Ticket sales typically close at approximately 7:25 PM AEST on draw nights. For online purchases, you will need to create a free account and be a resident of Australia.
Claiming The Pools Prizes
Prize claiming procedures vary by state and prize amount. Prizes up to $1,500 can be claimed at any lottery outlet. Larger prizes may need to be claimed at a lottery office or through a bank transfer. If you purchased your ticket online through The Lott, prizes up to $1,500 are automatically deposited into your account. Larger prizes will require identity verification. You typically have up to 6 years from the draw date to claim your prize, depending on the state.