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Lotto Must Be Won Draws Explained
A "Must Be Won" draw is one where the Lotto jackpot has to be paid out, even if nobody matches all six main numbers. It's one of the most interesting moments in the Lotto calendar — here's why.
How it happens
If no one wins the jackpot, it rolls over to the next draw. Lotto can roll over up to five times; the sixth consecutive draw is then "Must Be Won", guaranteeing the jackpot is paid out that night.
The roll-down
If no ticket matches all six numbers in a Must Be Won draw, the jackpot "rolls down" and is shared among the winners in the lower prize tiers. This can inflate those prizes dramatically — a Match 3 or Match 4 win can be worth far more than usual.
Is it the best time to play?
Many players think so, because the lower tiers can pay out much more. But it's worth being clear-eyed: your odds of winning any single line are exactly the same as any other draw — only the potential prize sizes change. For more, see how rollovers work and the Lotto prize breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Must Be Won draw?
After five rollovers, the next draw must pay out the jackpot even if no one matches all six numbers.
What happens if no one wins six?
The jackpot rolls down to boost the lower prize tiers, often making them much larger.
Is it a good time to play?
Many players think so, as lower-tier prizes can be inflated — but the odds of any single line are unchanged.
Related guides: how rollovers work, the Lotto prize breakdown and the Lotto first prize.