Lottery Records in the Guinness Book

Lottery in the Guinness book

The world of lotteries has always fascinated people with its stories of luck, fortune, and sometimes, unimaginable wealth. It’s no surprise that several lottery records have found their way into the Guinness World Records, capturing the awe of millions and highlighting moments of extraordinary luck and collective participation in lotteries around the globe.

Largest Jackpot in Lottery History

One of the most eye-catching records is the largest jackpot in lottery history. This record was set on January 13, 2016, by the Powerball lottery in the United States. The jackpot reached an astonishing $1.586 billion and was shared by three incredibly lucky tickets purchased in California, Florida, and Tennessee. This monumental event not only changed the lives of the winners but also set a benchmark for lotteries worldwide.

Most Tickets Sold for a Single Lottery Draw

Another notable record is the most tickets sold for a single lottery draw. This record goes to the Brazilian Mega-Sena lottery, which, for its New Year’s Eve special draw called “Mega da Virada” in 2010, sold an impressive 85 million tickets. This massive participation showcases the lottery’s cultural significance and the widespread hope of starting the new year with a fortune.

Highest Annual Spend on Lottery Tickets per Capita

Spain holds the record for the highest annual spend on lottery tickets per capita, a testament to the country’s love for lotteries. The Spanish Christmas Lottery, also known as “El Gordo” (The Fat One), is particularly responsible for this high expenditure. In 2017, the average spend per inhabitant in Spain on lottery tickets was estimated at €67.56 ($76.29 USD), highlighting the lottery’s deep-rooted cultural and social significance in Spain.

Lottery Records from the Guinness Book

Largest Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket

The record for the largest scratch-off lottery ticket was achieved by the Missouri Lottery in the United States on September 27, 2011. The ticket measured 92 cm by 206 cm, creating a unique and memorable way to engage with the lottery-playing public and adding an element of fun and novelty to the lottery experience. 

Most Millionaires in a Single Lottery Draw

The UK National Lottery set a record on December 19, 2015, for the most millionaires created in a single lottery draw. The special Christmas Lotto draw resulted in 25 ticket holders each winning £1 million. This event not only spread significant wealth but also made lottery history by giving so many individuals a life-changing fortune at the same time.

Biggest Win in an Online Lottery

The record for the biggest win in an online lottery belongs to a Frenchman who won 168 million euros in the swiss4win casino lottery back in October 2016. This monumental win highlights the growing popularity and legitimacy of online lottery participation, offering the same life-changing opportunities as traditional ticket purchases.

The records set by lottery events and captured in the Guinness World Records illustrate the global fascination with the idea of luck and the dream of instant wealth. From the largest jackpots at swiss4win casino and the most tickets sold to the creation of the most millionaires in a single draw, these entries tell stories of hope, excitement and sometimes incredible luck, capturing the essence of what makes the lottery a favorite pastime for millions of people around the world.