How Much Do You Get for 5 Numbers on Lotto?

1. Quick Answer: Prize for Matching 5 Numbers

Matching exactly 5 of the 6 main numbers drawn in SA Lotto qualifies for Division 3. Unlike the game's smaller, fixed lower-tier prizes, Division 3 is pari-mutuel — the amount is calculated from that specific draw's ticket sales and shared among that draw's winners, so it genuinely changes from one draw to the next.

For the full picture across every division, see our Lotto Payouts page, or our companion piece on Is There a Prize for 3 Numbers in Lotto for how the smaller, fixed tiers work by comparison.

2. Matching 5 Numbers vs 5 Numbers + Bonus Ball

These are two separate, distinctly different prize tiers:

• Division 3 — matching exactly 5 main numbers, without the Bonus Ball.
• Division 2 — matching 5 main numbers plus the Bonus Ball, a considerably rarer and higher-paying combination.

In the most recent confirmed draw, Division 2 paid R0.00, versus Division 3's R0.00 — a clear illustration of how much more the Bonus Ball match is worth.

3. Full SA Lotto Prize Divisions Overview

★ Divisions 2 and 3 — the subject of this article — are highlighted above.

4. How the 5-Number Prize Is Calculated

• A defined share of that draw's total ticket sales is allocated to the Division 2 and Division 3 prize pools.
• That pool is then split evenly among every ticket that matched the required combination in that specific draw.
• More winners sharing the pool means a smaller individual payout; fewer winners means each payout is larger.
• This is why the amount can differ noticeably between two draws even when the overall jackpot looks similar.

5. Real Examples from Recent Draws

Notice how these figures move draw to draw — this variability is normal and expected for a pari-mutuel prize tier.

6. Odds of Matching Exactly 5 Numbers

Division 2 is dramatically rarer than Division 3, which explains why it pays substantially more despite requiring the "same" 5 correct main numbers as a starting point.

7. Lotto Plus 1 & Plus 2 – Do They Pay Differently for 5 Numbers?

Yes. Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 each run their own entirely independent pari-mutuel pools for every division, including Division 2 and Division 3. Even using the exact same six numbers, their payout amounts will typically differ from the main draw and from each other.

8. How to Claim a 5-Number Win

Because Division 2 and Division 3 amounts vary in size, the claim process depends on the confirmed payout:

1. Confirm your result

   Compare your ticket against the confirmed draw result — see How to Check If You Won for a step-by-step guide.

2. Check the confirmed amount

   Smaller Division 3 payouts may be claimable instantly at a retailer terminal.

3. Larger amounts, especially Division 2, may need an in-person claim

   These typically require identity and banking verification at an Ithuba regional office, similar to any mid-size lottery win.

4. Keep your ticket safe until payout is confirmed

   Don't discard it until you've verified the prize has been paid.

9. Tips for Understanding Your Payout

• Don't expect a fixed number for Division 2 or 3 — always check the confirmed amount for your specific draw.
• Remember that matching 5 numbers plus the Bonus Ball is a completely separate, rarer, higher-paying tier than plain 5 numbers.
• If you played Lotto Plus 1 or Plus 2, check each draw's payout separately — they won't match the main draw's amount.
• Larger pari-mutuel wins can take longer to process than small fixed prizes — see our guide on payout timelines for what to expect.

10. Frequently Asked Questions