Friday nights are synonymous with excitement for lottery enthusiasts worldwide. Numerous lottery games draw their winning numbers on Friday evenings, offering players the chance to win substantial prizes. This article provides an in-depth look at various Friday night lotteries across the globe, detailing their draw times, prize structures, and unique features.
United States Lotteries
Mega Millions
Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Draws occur every Tuesday and Friday at 10 p.m. Central Time (CT). Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. The jackpot starts at $20 million and increases with each draw that doesn’t produce a winner. In April 2025, the ticket price will increase from $2 to $5 to enhance jackpot sizes and winning frequencies.
Powerball
Powerball is another major U.S. lottery with draws every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Players choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The starting jackpot is $20 million, with the prize pool rolling over until a winner is found. Notably, a winning ticket for a $1.22 billion jackpot was sold in California in January 2025.
European Lotteries
EuroMillions
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery played across nine European countries, including the UK, France, Spain, and others. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8:45 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Players select five numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 12. The jackpot starts at €17 million and can roll over up to a cap of €240 million. In April 2025, the ticket price will increase from €2.50 to €5 to improve jackpot odds and increase prizes.
Australian Lotteries
Saturday Lotto
In Australia, Saturday Lotto draws occur every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Players choose six numbers from 1 to 45. The jackpot starts at AUD 4 million, with the prize pool increasing if there are no winners.
Powerball
Australian Powerball draws take place every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. AEST. Players select seven numbers from 1 to 35. The jackpot starts at AUD 3 million, with the prize pool rolling over as needed.
Indian Lotteries
Dear Night Lottery
The Dear Night Lottery is conducted by the Nagaland State Lotteries in India. Draws occur every day at 8 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST). Players select four-digit numbers, and prizes include a first prize of ₹1,00,00,000, with additional prizes for subsequent positions.
South African Lotteries
PowerBall
South Africa’s PowerBall draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8:58 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST). Players choose five numbers from 1 to 50 and one PowerBall number from 1 to 20. The jackpot starts at R20 million, with the prize pool rolling over until a winner is found.
Other Notable Friday Night Lotteries
DC 4 Night Game
The DC 4 Night Game is part of the DC Lottery in the United States. Draws occur three times daily, with the 11:30 p.m. drawing added in August 2023. Players select four-digit numbers, and prizes vary based on the chosen play type.
Florida Fantasy 5
Florida’s Fantasy 5 lottery offers twice-daily draws at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. ET. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 36, with the jackpot starting at approximately $100,000.
Conclusion
Friday night lotteries offer diverse opportunities for players worldwide to win substantial prizes. From the massive jackpots of Mega Millions and EuroMillions to the unique features of regional games like the Dear Night Lottery and DC 4 Night Game, there’s a lottery to suit every player’s preference. As you participate, remember to play responsibly and be aware of the specific rules and regulations governing each lottery in your region.
