Lotto Plus 1 & Lotto 5 Max: Are the Add-ons Worth the Extra Stake?

When you buy an SA Lotto ticket, you're offered two add-ons for R2.50 each: Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto 5 Max. For R10 total, you get three draws with the same numbers. But are the extra draws worth it?

What Lotto Plus 1 offers

Lotto Plus 1 uses the same 6-from-52 format as SA Lotto, drawn at the same time, with its own separate pool. The odds are identical to regular Lotto — 1 in 20,358,520 for Division 1.

What Lotto 5 Max offers

Lotto 5 Max also uses the same 6-from-52 format, with its own separate pool and cascading jackpot. Same odds as Lotto and Lotto Plus 1. Despite the name, it's a 6-number game. Lotto 5 Max replaced the discontinued Lotto Plus 2 in June 2026.

Expected value comparison

All three draws have identical matching odds — 1 in 20,358,520 for Division 1. The difference is the pool each draws from: Lotto is the main pool, while Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto 5 Max have their own smaller pools that still roll over. If you want the biggest possible prize, put your stake into the main draw. If you want more chances at a jackpot, an R2.50 add-on is cheap extra coverage.

The verdict

The add-ons are cheap insurance: for R2.50 each they replay your numbers in an additional draw, and Lotto 5 Max replaced the old Lotto Plus 2. Most casual players stick to the main draw; regular players often add one or both for the extra jackpot chances.