Loto - everything you need to know about Slovenia's most famous lottery game

Loto has been synonymous with the dream of sudden riches for decades. It is the most widely recognised gambling game in Slovenia, attracting tens of thousands of players every week. But how does Loto work, what are the chances of winning, which strategies make sense - and how has the game evolved over time?

Below we reveal all the key information about Lotto, from the history and rules of the game to the impact of digitisation and how it compares to international lotteries.

What is the Lotto?

Lotto is a numerical gambling game in which the player selects a certain number of numbers from a limited pool. A random draw determines the winning numbers, and the player receives a prize if they match his or her choice.

In Slovenia, Loto is one of the main games operated by Lottery of Slovenia, and includes both the base Lotto and additional games such as Lotto Plus and Joker.

History of Lotto in Slovenia

The first official Lotto draw in Slovenia took place in 1985when the game was still part of the then Yugoslav Lottery system. After independence, responsibility was taken over by the Lottery of Sloveniawhich has gradually introduced additional games and digital gaming options.

Today, Loto is a part of the Slovenian cultural landscape, often appearing in the media, in public debates and even in humour programmes.

Loto Rules

Basic system

• The player selects 7 numbers from 1 to 39
• In addition to these, it is possible to participate in additional games
• The jackpot (i.e. 7) is paid to the person who correctly predicts all seven numbers
• Smaller wins are also possible for 6, 5, 4 or 3 correct numbers

Additional games:

• Lotto Plus: another parallel draw with the same numbers
• Joker: six-digit number printed on the ticket and drawn separately

Price:

• One regular lotto ticket costs 0,75 € (Loto), additional games are payable separately

Frequency of draws

The draw takes place twice a week, usually at Wednesdays and Sunday evenings. The results are broadcast on national TV and online, and published on the official website. loterija.si.

Where can I play Lotto?

There are several ways to play the game:

• At traditional sales outlets (newsagents, post offices, petrol stations)
• Online at loterija.si
• With the mobile app Lotteries of Slovenia

The digital version provides a quick overview of your winnings, a draw archive and reminders.

Chances to win

The odds of winning the jackpot (7 correct numbers) are approximately 1 in 15 million. For smaller wins, the chances are significantly higher:

Tip: Although strategies have no effect on probability (every combination is equally likely), many players choose "less popular" numbers to share the jackpot with fewer people when they win.

Lotto and digitisation

In recent years, Loto has gone digital. Players can:

• pay their tickets online,
• receive notifications of winnings,
• automatically engage with the same issues every week (subscription),
• keep track of the archive of your winnings and your results.

For further perspective on the digital transition in gaming, you can also read the article The transition of gambling to the digital age on our portal.

Social impact and responsible gambling

Lotto is often considered a "harmless" game because the stakes are low, but it should be noted:

• Regular gaming can lead to addiction in certain people.
• Many winnings are not publicly disclosed, which can create the illusion that "someone always gets hit".
• Legislation requires the introduction of tools for self-limitation, cost constraints and opportunities for exclusion from the game.

Loterija Slovenije is involved in European initiatives for Responsible gaming and provides help for players with a developing addiction.

Comparison with other lotteries

The Loto in Slovenia stands out for:

• lower stakes,
• greater accessibility,
• national traditions.

Conclusion

Lotto is not just a game of chance, but also a part of Slovenian social reality. From small dreams of a car or home renovation to big wishes for financial freedom, Loto offers a simple and accessible way for everyone to participate in the world of happiness.

But as with all gambling: play moderately, responsibly and with the knowledge that the probability of winning is low.