How to Play The Pools
Where football meets fortune
About The Pools
The Pools is one of Australia's most distinctive lottery games, uniquely linked to the outcomes of international football (soccer) matches. Unlike other lottery games that use a random number generator or mechanical draw, The Pools results are determined by the final scores of selected football matches played around the world. Six numbers from 1 to 38 are generated based on match results, creating a fascinating intersection of sport and lottery. Draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, coinciding with the football fixtures that determine the winning numbers.
How to Play
To play The Pools, select 6 numbers from 1 to 38 per game. You can choose your own numbers or opt for a QuickPick random selection. Each standard game costs $1.00, making it one of the most affordable lottery options in Australia. The winning numbers are determined by the results of selected international football matches. A proprietary formula converts match scores into the 6 winning numbers. You can purchase Pools tickets at authorised lottery outlets across most Australian states or online through The Lott website and mobile app. Ticket sales close before the first scheduled match kicks off.
Number Selection
- Select 6 main numbers from 1 to 38
Odds and Prize Divisions
The Pools features 6 prize divisions. The Division 1 odds (matching all 6 numbers) are approximately 1 in 2,760,681 — significantly better than most other Australian lottery games. Division 2 requires 5 numbers at much shorter odds. The overall chance of winning any prize is approximately 1 in 55. Because the odds are shorter than games like Powerball or Oz Lotto, The Pools prizes tend to be smaller, but the frequency of winners is higher. Division 1 prizes typically range from $50,000 to over $500,000 depending on the prize pool and number of winners.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Division 1 Odds | 1 in 2,760,681 |
| Prize Divisions | 6 |
| Starting Jackpot | $50,000+ |
Tips for Playing The Pools
The Pools offers some of the best odds of any Australian lottery game at 1 in 2,760,681 for Division 1. While the prizes are smaller than Powerball or Oz Lotto, the much better odds mean you have a significantly higher chance of winning. The Pools draws on Wednesday and Saturday, so you can combine it with Wednesday Lotto and Saturday Lotto entries for those draw nights. Since the numbers are derived from football results, the game adds an extra layer of excitement for sports fans. As with all lottery games, there is no way to predict the outcome, and each draw is effectively random from the player's perspective.
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.