A record lottery jackpot of €38-million (about R379-million) has led to a huge jump in ticket sales ahead of Saturday’s draw in Germany, lottery officials said on Friday.
Business was reported brisk at the 24 500 outlets where tickets are available for the Lotto, as the German lottery is called. Some regions said they expect sales to increase by 50% and more.
”We anticipate by Saturday sales will be up 50% from the previous week,” Lotto spokesperson Klaus Sattler said. Then the jackpot that has been rolling over since October was €28-million.
On Wednesday, it grew to €30-million but no winner emerged when the draw of six numbers from a field of 49 was made on television.
To win the top prize, punters have to pick the correct six numbers and match a ”super” number that is drawn separately with a number from 0 to 9 at the bottom of their lottery card.
Experts estimate the chances of cracking the jackpot are 139 838 160 to one. The previous record of €37,7-million was won by a hospital orderly more than a year ago.
The game has created 74 millionaires this year alone, with most punters sticking to their numbers based on family birthdates or similar, according to Sattler.
Saturday’s draw will take place shortly before 7pm GMT. If there is no winner, the jackpot will continue to roll over until December 12, after which it will be divided among punters who pick the six correct numbers but who do not have the ”super” number.
The government-sponsored lottery started in 1955. The winner receives a lump sum and only has to pay taxes on the interest if the money is invested. — Sapa-dpa