Mega Sena
Launched in Brazil in March 1996, Mega Sena is one of South America’s largest lottery games, offering players three chances a week to win millions. Operated by Caixa Econômica Federal, one of the biggest banks in Brazil, Mega Sena has seen its jackpot reach nine figures on several occasions. The largest Mega Sena jackpot on record was worth R$263.2 million and was split between four winners on Wednesday 31st December 2014 as part of the Mega da Virada draw. The largest Mega Sena prize won by a single ticket holder was scooped on Wednesday 25th November 2015 and was worth R$205.3 million.
Mega Sena Lotto Draw Schedule
Mega Sena draws are held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings at 8pm Brasilia time (UTC -3). Draws are broadcast live on Brazilian television during a show called Momento da Sorte.
How to Play and Win Mega Sena
To play Mega Sena, participants can choose six numbers between 1 and 60 either on their own or by selecting a Surpresinha ticket, which randomly generates a line of numbers for them. They can also opt for a combination bet, in which they play 7 to 15 on their ticket to boost their chances of winning. For example, they could add eight numbers to their ticket instead of 6, giving them 28 possible combinations. These tickets are more expensive, but they do decrease the odds of winning a prize.
During the draw, numbers are selected from two different drums. The first drum, containing the numbers 0 to 5, chooses the first digit of the number while the second drum, containing the numbers 0 to 9, selects the second digit. For example, if the first drum selects 2 and the second drum selects 4, the number which will appear on the winning line will be 24. Should both drums select the number 0, this will be considered to be the number 60.
On every New Year’s Eve, a special Mega Sena draw, called Mega da Virada, is played, offering Brazilians and lottery fans from around the world the chance to pick up a slice of an enhanced prize pool. Approximately five percent of the revenue raised from every Mega Sena draw throughout the year is allocated for this special game, boosting the jackpot to even greater heights.
The minimum value of the Mega Sena jackpot is R$2 million, though there is no jackpot cap and the top prize can quickly increase in value due to rollovers.