Lottery Glossary – Global Terms Explained
Lotteries use different words and rules around the world. This glossary explains the most common lottery terms used across the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and international games — all in one place.
Whether you’re reading lottery articles, using number tools, or just curious about how different lotteries work, this guide helps you understand the terminology clearly and simply.
All definitions are provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Lottery outcomes are random and this glossary does not improve winning chances.
Jackpot Global
The top prize in a lottery game, usually awarded for matching all required numbers.
Rollover UK / EU / AU
When no ticket wins the jackpot, the prize money carries over to the next draw.
Quick Pick USA / AU
Randomly generated numbers selected by the lottery system instead of the player.
Draw Global
The official event where winning numbers are randomly selected.
Odds Global
The probability of winning a prize, usually expressed as 1 in X.
Powerball USA / AU
A bonus number drawn in addition to the main numbers, often increasing jackpot size.
Mega Jackpot Marketing
An exceptionally large jackpot, often after multiple rollovers.
Secondary Prize Global
Lower-tier prizes awarded for matching some, but not all, numbers.
Bonus Ball EU / UK
An extra number drawn to determine secondary prize categories.
Syndicate UK / AU
A group of players who pool money and share any winnings.
Ticket Validation Global
The process of checking whether a ticket matches winning numbers.
Claim Period Global
The time limit within which a winning ticket must be claimed.
Annuity USA
Jackpot paid in annual installments over many years.
Lump Sum USA
A one-time payment option, usually lower than the advertised jackpot.
Guaranteed Prize EU
A fixed minimum jackpot regardless of ticket sales.
Number Pool Global
The full range of numbers available in a lottery game.
Hot Numbers Informal
Numbers believed to be drawn frequently (for fun analysis only).
Cold Numbers Informal
Numbers believed to be drawn less often (no predictive value).
Ticket Cost Global
The price of a single lottery entry.
Draw Machine Global
Mechanical or electronic device used to randomly select balls.
Official Results Global
The confirmed winning numbers released by the lottery operator.
Multiplier USA / EU
An optional feature that increases non-jackpot winnings.
Raffle Global
A lottery-style game where tickets have unique numbers.
Minimum Jackpot Global
The lowest possible jackpot amount when a game resets.
Keno Global
A lottery-style game where players choose numbers from a large pool.
Lotto Global
A general term used worldwide for number-based lottery games.
Match Global
When selected numbers correspond to the drawn numbers.
Instant Win Global
A game where results are known immediately, such as scratch cards.
Entry Global
A single set of numbers submitted for a lottery draw.
Multiplier Option USA
An add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
Bonus Draw UK / EU
A secondary draw with prizes, sometimes using additional numbers.
Self-Exclusion Responsible Play
A voluntary program to restrict lottery participation.
Draw Frequency Global
How often a lottery draw is held (daily, weekly, etc.).
Subscription Global
Automatically buying tickets for multiple draws.
Roll Number Informal
A number frequently drawn in previous draws (for analysis only).
Scratch Card Global
An instant lottery ticket that reveals prizes when scratched.
Draw Date Global
The official date of the lottery draw.
Pick 3 / Pick 4 USA
Lottery games requiring players to pick 3 or 4 numbers in exact order.
Extra Number Global
An additional number drawn for secondary prizes.