Win your dream home with the Lotto
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15 Mar 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The Belgian National Lottery has just announced major changes to the Lotto from 1 May 2025. The aim? Modernising the player experience and meeting the housing aspirations of Belgians. But what exactly are these changes?
Increase in ticket price
From 1 May, the price of a Lotto grid will rise from €1.25 to €1.50. This 25-cent increase is the first since 2018. In 2018, the increase was accompanied by a number of new features, and this is the case again this year, with changes to the Lucky Code, 50,000 extra winners in each draw and the chance to win your ‘dream home’.
What are the conditions for winning a ‘dream home’?
On the last Saturday of every month, an additional Lucky Code draw will take place. This draw will give players the chance to win their ‘dream home’.
In practical terms, the prize is €750,000 to finance a property project. This sum will be deposited in an escrow account with a notary chosen by the winner. The winner will then have to submit a project (purchase, renovation, etc.) as soon as it is deemed suitable, and the amount can be used over a period of three years from the date of the draw.
Any balance remaining after 3 years will be paid back to the winner.
An initiative to reach new audiences
The National Lottery is aiming to attract new customers by offering tangible prizes in line with the aspirations of Belgians.
According to a survey conducted by the lottery organiser, buying a house is still the most common dream of Belgians, whether they are Flemish, Walloon or Brussels residents. What’s more, 40% of those questioned aspire to an eco-friendly home, while 33% prefer a luxurious residence.
A dream that could soon come true with the €750,000 property prize on offer.
Lucky Code: even more winners
The Lucky Code, the automatic additional draw, will be evolving to reward more players. Until now, every time a Lucky Code draw was made, 300 lucky players received a €500 bonus. From now on, there will be 500 winners of €300 each.
How do I get a Lucky Code?
You don’t have to do a thing to get a Lucky Code. This code is generated automatically and free of charge with each Lotto grid. So it’s an extra chance to win in every draw.
Reactions from players and experts
The announcement of these new features has prompted a variety of reactions. Some players have expressed reservations about the higher ticket price, while others are enthusiastic about the prospect of making their property dreams come true.
Frieda Matthys, a professor of psychiatry at the VUB who specialises in gambling addictions, is more nuanced:
‘Many young people in their twenties dream of owning their own home, and this age group is particularly vulnerable to addiction. Research shows that when people start gambling, they cross a certain threshold and gamble more quickly.’
In her view, the National Lottery should be treated in the same way as the rest of the gambling industry. And should not be allowed an exception.