Finnish Lotto
Finnish Lotto is a national lottery run by Veikkaus, Finland's state lottery operator, since 1970. It remains one of the most widely played lotteries in the Nordic region. This guide breaks down the mechanics, prize structure, odds, and draw schedule so you understand exactly what happens when you play.
Pick 7 from 39 numbers
2 additional numbers drawn
Twice weekly
Veikkaus (since 1970)
How Finnish Lotto Works
Finnish Lotto requires you to select 7 numbers from a pool of 39. The draw produces 7 winning numbers, plus 2 supplementary numbers. Your prize depends on how many of your numbers match the main draw, and whether you match either supplementary ball.
The supplementary numbers create additional winning combinations. For example, matching 6 of the 7 main numbers plus one supplementary number ranks as a separate prize tier from matching 6 main numbers alone.
Draws happen on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Results are published shortly after the draw closes, and prize claims must be made within a set period (typically within months, though exact deadlines are set by Veikkaus).
Prize Tiers and Odds
Finnish Lotto has 13 prize categories. The structure reflects the number of correct main balls matched, combined with supplementary ball matches.
The highest tier requires all 7 main numbers correct. The odds of this are roughly 1 in 23 million. Lower tiers reward matching 6, 5, 4, or 3 of the main numbers, with supplementary matches creating intermediate prize divisions.
Your overall odds of winning any prize (matching at least 3 numbers) sit around 1 in 54. This is the figure most players reference when comparing lottery odds.
Prize amounts are pari-mutuel for most tiers, meaning the total pool allocated to each tier is divided among all winners at that tier. The jackpot (7 correct) is often the exception, with a minimum guaranteed amount that rolls over if no one wins.
The smallest prizes are typically cash amounts awarded for matching 3 numbers with one supplementary match or 4 numbers without supplementary matches.
Draw Schedule and Timing
Finnish Lotto draws occur every Wednesday and Saturday. Ticket sales close shortly before the draw, typically in the early evening. The draw itself is conducted by Veikkaus and broadcast or published on their official platforms.
Each draw is independent. The supplementary numbers are drawn from the same pool of 39, but after the 7 main numbers are removed, ensuring no duplicate balls are drawn.
If the jackpot is not won in a draw, the unclaimed prize money carries forward to the next draw, increasing the jackpot pool for the following draw. This roll-over system can cause jackpots to accumulate significantly over consecutive draws without a winner.
The Mathematics Behind Your Odds
The total number of possible outcomes in Finnish Lotto is the combination of 39 choose 7, which equals approximately 15.4 million. This is the denominator for the 1 in 23 million jackpot odds (the additional complexity of supplementary numbers increases this slightly).
Matching fewer numbers has better odds because there are more combinations containing those subsets. For example, matching 5 numbers occurs far more often than matching 7, so the odds are substantially better. The trade-off is that prize amounts are smaller.
Your expected value (the average return per ticket) depends on the current prize pool and jackpot size. In most cases, the expected value is negative, as is typical for all lotteries. This means that over many tickets, you will lose money on average. However, specific draws with unusually large jackpots can occasionally offer better value, though still typically negative.
If you play with a syndicate (a group pooling money), the mathematics remain identical, but your stake and potential prize are divided equally among group members. A syndicate multiplies your tickets played for the same cost per ticket, improving odds of winning something, but dividing any prize by the number of members.
Regulation and Tax Treatment
Veikkaus operates under a state licence and is regulated by the Finnish government. The operator contributes a portion of revenue to public causes, including sports, culture, and gambling harm prevention.
In Finland, lottery winnings are not subject to income tax. Residents of other countries may face different tax obligations depending on their home jurisdiction's law. Prize winnings are considered income in some countries and subject to withholding or self-reporting; others do not tax foreign lottery wins. You should verify your local tax laws before claiming a prize.
Prize amounts are typically paid out by Veikkaus within a set timeframe after claim submission and verification. Large jackpots may be paid out in instalments or lump sums depending on the winner's choice and the prize amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between matching main numbers and supplementary numbers?
The 7 main numbers drawn are your primary match targets. The 2 supplementary numbers are drawn separately and create additional winning combinations. For instance, matching 6 main numbers without a supplementary match is a different prize tier than matching 6 main numbers plus one supplementary match. The supplementary balls increase the number of prize categories and can improve a near-miss into a smaller prize.
Can the jackpot roll over, and if so, how high can it grow?
Yes. If no ticket matches all 7 main numbers, the unclaimed jackpot pool carries to the next draw. This means jackpots can accumulate across multiple draws, growing significantly larger than the guaranteed minimum. Veikkaus sets rules for how long a jackpot can roll over before it must be won or distributed to lower prize tiers, but there is no official cap on how large it can become before that point.
What are the odds of winning any prize at all in Finnish Lotto?
Your odds of matching at least 3 numbers (the minimum winning combination) are approximately 1 in 54. This is a common reference point when comparing lotteries. However, 1 in 54 includes all prize tiers, from small cash amounts for matching 3 numbers up to the multi-million jackpot. Most of these wins are small.
Are lottery winnings taxed in Finland?
No. Finnish residents do not pay income tax on lottery prize winnings. However, if you are a resident of another country, your home jurisdiction may tax the prize. Some countries do not tax foreign lottery wins; others do. You should check your local tax authority's rules before claiming a prize.
How often are draws held, and when do ticket sales close?
Finnish Lotto draws occur twice weekly: on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Ticket sales close shortly before each draw, typically in the early evening. You must purchase your ticket before the sales deadline for that draw; purchases after the deadline apply to the next scheduled draw.
What happens if multiple people win the jackpot?
Finnish Lotto uses a pari-mutuel prize structure for most tiers, meaning the allocated prize pool is divided equally among all winners in that tier. If two people match all 7 numbers, the jackpot is split 50/50. The more winners in the highest tier, the smaller each individual prize becomes.
