Austrian Lotteries was founded on 2 July 1986, and just a few weeks later the first balls were drawn. Four decades on, Wednesday and Sunday — as well as every second Friday — have become firmly associated with Lotto “6 aus 45” for many people in Austria. To mark the anniversary, we have compiled the most exciting figures, milestones and records from 40 years for you.
Lotto history: how it all began
The first Lotto “6 aus 45” draw took place on 7 September 1986. The idea itself, however, was not entirely new in Austria: the history of Lotto in this country dates back to 1752. Back then, the first Lotto draw was held in Vienna, with five numbers drawn from 90. The principle of Zahlenlotto 1–90 remained in this form for more than 250 years; by comparison, “6 aus 45” is a modern classic.
Lotto statistics: 40 years in numbers
Four decades of lotteries can be told well through numbers:
· 13,950 major wins have been achieved since 1986, including 1,423 millionaire wins
· An average of 21 tips per second have been played for Lotto “6 aus 45” over 40 years, around the clock
· €2.2 billion has gone into supporting elite and grassroots sport in Austria since 1986
· €706.9 million in taxes, levies and contributions went to the state in 2025 alone — close to €2 million per day
· More than 5,000 retail outlets ensure that placing a tip is never far away anywhere in Austria
The biggest wins in Lotto history
The highest Lotto six-number win to date (as of July 2026) was achieved in Lower Austria on 21 November 2018. After a seven-rollover jackpot, €14.9 million was paid out to the anonymous winner. An even bigger record followed on 28 March 2025: via win2day, one person won the full EuroMillions jackpot single-handedly, taking home €250 million — the highest win in Austrian and, together with an Irish and a French winner, European gaming history (as of July 2026). Back in December 2023, a win2day user had already celebrated a €240 million win.
An anniversary that goes beyond the jackpot
Behind the wins is a mission that has remained unchanged since 1986: to offer gaming in an orderly, controlled way and within a reliable framework. This includes player protection that is continuously developed and externally certified. It also includes the social value that becomes visible through the Lotterien Days and through support for sport.
Want even more numbers?
If you would like to explore the statistics yourself, you will find what you are looking for on win2day. In the Lotto statistics section, you can find all drawn numbers and six-number wins since 2011, complete with filter options and downloads. Whether your favourite number has performed particularly well is just a few clicks away.
Here’s to the decades to come
40 years of Austrian Lotteries means 40 years of draws, jackpots and life-changing moments. And every new draw can write the next one. Until then, you can discover some of the most memorable winner stories already written in the Lotterien Stories, together with useful insights into our games and fascinating figures. And as always: play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
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