Lotto is the Germans' favorite game of chance, that much is certain. However, the figures that have now come out with the German Lotto and Totoblock's annual report for 2024 may have impressed even those responsible at the association. The official report speaks of a "strong year for luck". "193 million winnings in Germany - on average a new millionaire every other day": and that is just one of the many exciting facts that the review provides.

What would the Germans be without their lottery? Decades ago, families would gather in front of their TV sets for the weekly 6aus49 draws. The game celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025 and, according to the latest data, is still the strongest product of the German Lotto and Totoblock (DLTB). The lottery fairies and regular visits to the retail outlets, which often included a scratch card for the little ones, have shaped entire generations. Incidentally, we recently asked ourselves whether scratch cards are worthwhile.

Today, lotteries are usually a little different, i.e. increasingly digital. But even if the tickets are increasingly filled out online, there are no longer any televised draws, gambling as a family moment seems somehow questionable, especially among younger generations, and the term "lottery fairy" alone causes some people to frown, one thing remains clear: Germans love the lottery. And how they do this has now been made clear once again by the DLTB's annual results for 2024.

The official press release directly reveals three top figures that may have astonished not only the typical lottery fan, but even those within the industry - from acceptance staff to management at the DLTB:

Around these facts, there are some other impressive data that we would like to take a closer look at below.

Perhaps of particular interest to lottery players with a penchant for statistics: the 8 was drawn most frequently in 2024. The 5 and 9 follow in second and third place, with the 42 bringing up the rear in the series of winning numbers drawn in 2024.

Long jackpot phases are said to have contributed significantly to the record year

The year 2024 has clearly put German lottery players in a great mood: With over €8.56 billion in stakes, the DLTB achieved its best result since it was founded. By comparison, this corresponds to an increase of around 4.4 percent compared to the previous year.

We have just reported that in 2023, a whopping 1.77 billion euros in taxes were collected across Germany via the usual lotteries - an increase of 5.8 percent compared to 2022: however, the Federal Statistical Office, which provided these figures, also announced a worrying 38 percent drop in revenue from licensed online slots.

The association itself names one of the main reasons for the significant increase in lottery stakes in 2024: There were several longer jackpot phases during the year, which created particular excitement and often motivated people to play who are not otherwise lottery fans.

The EuroJackpot was particularly involved in this high (we also reported in December that the 120 million Jack pot has still not been awarded). So it is hardly surprising that this multi-state lottery with a stake of €2.6 billion also came in second place among the most popular lottery offerings in 2024. However, LOTTO 6aus49 remains the absolute frontrunner with an immense €3.5 billion bet.

Even though Lotto is celebrating a proud anniversary as an absolute classic game of chance in 2025, the record figures prove it: It remains a phenomenon - somehow timeless and always good for surprises.

Online Lotto is booming, but local sales outlets remain important

The lottery has of course long since arrived in the digital age. As the annual results make clear, more and more players are taking advantage of the convenient and secure online services offered by the state lottery companies. Whether via regional websites, practical apps or the central service portal Lotto.de: In 2024, more than 1.4 billion euros in stakes were generated via these channels - an impressive increase of 17.3 percent compared to the previous year. Incidentally, Lotto Hessen came out as the best online lottery provider in Germany in a test conducted by Chip.de around a year ago.

Despite the digital boom, it is expressly the traditional retail outlet that remains the most important sales channel for Lotto in Germany. With around 21,000 locations throughout the country, kiosks, supermarkets, bakeries, etc. are more than just places to buy lottery tickets, according to the DLTB. They also fulfill an important structural and social function for the lottery community, especially in rural regions.
  • Retail outlets as meeting points: In the kiosk around the corner, at the petrol station or in the supermarket - many players appreciate the personal contact and the ritual (possibly passed down through generations) of handing in their ticket on the spot.
  • Social proximity with special sales opportunities: regular customers are often known to local staff, along with their stories and concerns. According to the DLTB, these local employees are therefore more than just service providers, they are also real "lottery ambassadors". They strengthen the personal contact between providers and customers. Of course, this can also ultimately support sales - although those responsible do not say this directly.

In autumn 2024, a new lottery millionaire from Lower Franconia made a very personal statement.

Billions for the community

In its review of the year, the DLTB emphasizes that the taxes and levies from the 2024 stakes were and are able to support countless projects that benefit the general public.

With a total of 3.42 billion euros - the equivalent of an incredible 9.4 million euros per day - the German Lotto and Totoblock also achieved a new record in this area.

The funds are primarily used in the following areas.

  • Sport: Numerous clubs and youth projects benefit from the funding and keep the local sports culture alive.
  • Environmental protection: Initiatives for renaturation, forest protection and the promotion of renewable energies are also supported.
  • Art and culture: From theater festivals to the restoration of historic buildings - cultural workers and monument protection projects receive much-needed funding.
  • Welfare: Organizations that look after disadvantaged groups can expand their services thanks to the support.
  • Sponsoring: In addition to the direct allocation of funds, the state lottery companies also run a wide range of sponsoring cooperations that further strengthen cultural, environmental and sports projects.
Of course, lottery is first and foremost a business and a game of chance - but it is also an integral part of many people's everyday lives and of German society. The official statements on the record year 2024 may sound almost too positive and optimistic in places. However, the figures speak for themselves: lotto is well received and lotto makes a lot of winners. The benefits for the community cannot be denied. The DLTB can certainly celebrate something here.

Source of the image: Screenshot from https://www.lotto.de/ueber/neuigkeiten/allgemein/2025/2025-01-03

Central text source: https://www.lotto.de/ueber/neuigkeiten/allgemein/2025/2025-01-03

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