UK Lotto HotPicks vs Irish Lotto Betting – Which is the Best Option Overall?
If you’re a fan of UK Lotto HotPicks and like to Pick and Match between 1–5 balls to win, you may have heard people talking about Irish Lotto betting. But what exactly is it — and which one gives you a better chance of matching?
We’ve broken down the key differences to help you decide which option suits you — whether you’re going for a single number or trying your luck on five.
What is UK Lotto HotPicks?
HotPicks is a game offered by the UK National Lottery and based on the main official draw. Instead of playing for the jackpot, you choose how many numbers you want to match — from 1 to 5 — and win fixed prizes if you match exactly that many numbers.
- Draws: Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:00pm UK time
- Numbers: Pick from 1 to 59
- Cost: £1 per line
- Match rule: You must match all of the balls you choose
Example: If you play 2 numbers and match 1, you don’t win.
How Much Can I Win with UK Lotto HotPicks?
| Pick Type |
Prize |
| Pick 1 |
£6 |
| Pick 2 |
£60 |
| Pick 3 |
£800 |
| Pick 4 |
£13,000 |
| Pick 5 |
£350,000 |
What Is Irish Lotto Betting?
Irish Lotto betting is very similar to HotPicks and lets you place fixed-odds bets on matching between 1–5 balls in the Irish National Lottery — through licensed UK bookmakers. You’re not entering the official draw, but you’re betting on the numbers that will be drawn. Read our full guide.
- Draws: Every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:55pm UK/Irish time
- Numbers: Pick from 1 to 47
- Stake: Flexible — as low as 10p with some bookmakers like BOYLE Sports and Betfred
- Match rule: You must match all of the balls you choose
Note: Some bookmakers offer better returns than HotPicks — on Pick and Match 1 and 2 — even though Irish Lotto betting has a comparatively higher match chance.
How Much will I Get if I Win with Irish Lotto Betting (BOYLE Sports, £1 Stake)?
| Pick Type |
Total Returns |
| Pick 1 |
£6 + (£1 Stake Back) = £7 |
| Pick 2 |
£60 + (£1 Stake Back) = £61 |
| Pick 3 |
£701 |
| Pick 4 |
£7,001 |
| Pick 5 |
£125,001 |
Note: Odds and payouts vary by bookmaker. Always check before placing a bet.
Why Am I More Likely to Match with Irish Lotto Betting?
Because the Irish Lotto draws from a smaller pool (47 balls vs 59 in the UK Lotto), your chances of matching your numbers are significantly better.
| Pick Type |
% More Likely to Win on Irish Lotto |
| Pick 1 |
26% more likely |
| Pick 2 |
58% more likely |
| Pick 3 |
100% more likely |
| Pick 4 |
173% more likely |
| Pick 5 |
226% more likely |
Example: It’s 58% more likely to pick and match 2 numbers in the Irish Lotto than in UK Lotto HotPicks.
Key Differences
- Flexibility: Irish Lotto betting allows more control over stake size (as low as 10 pence) and bet types.
- Payouts/Returns: HotPicks has fixed prizes; Irish Lotto betting pays based on bookmaker odds which can vary between operators. That’s why ComparetheLotto.com compares all of the odds/payouts to help you find the best option. (Also note with Irish lotto betting you'll get your winnings plus stake back if you win)
- Relative Chances of Winning: You are significantly more likely to match on the Irish Lotto than with the comparable Pick and Match option on UK Lotto HotPicks. (47 Balls v 59 Balls)
Whilst Irish Lotto clearly offers comparatively better match chances - it is important to remember that bookmakers will always make a good margin! Please always bet responsibly and only stake what you can comfortably afford to lose.
- Operators: HotPicks is run by the UK National Lottery; Irish Lotto betting is offered by licensed UK bookmakers
- Good Cause Contribution: UK Lotto HotPicks is part of the National Lottery, and a portion of proceeds supports UK charities and community projects. This is not the case for Irish Lotto Betting - there is no good cause contribution
- Welcome Offer/Free Bets: Irish Lotto Betting operators like BOYLE Sports offer qualifying customers attractive welcome offers.
ComparetheLotto.com Verdict
In our opinion, if you enjoy the Pick & Match format, it’s definitely worth giving Irish Lotto Betting a go for all the reasons outlined.
Suggested Plan:
Whichever option you choose, please always remember to bet and play responsibly and keep it fun.
