Bonoloto vs Primitiva vs Euromillones: Differences, Draws and Which to Choose
Why Compare Bonoloto, Primitiva and Euromillones?
Quick answer: Bonoloto and La Primitiva are played the same way (6 numbers from 1 to 49) and have the same odds of 6 matches, 1 in 13,983,816, but Bonoloto costs €0.50 and is drawn Monday to Saturday, while La Primitiva costs €1 and is drawn three days a week. EuroMillions costs €2.50, is drawn on Tuesday and Friday and has the biggest jackpots (up to €250 million), but its jackpot is as hard to win as La Primitiva’s: 1 in 139,838,160.
By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
| Bonoloto | La Primitiva | EuroMillions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What you choose | 6 numbers from 1 to 49 | 6 numbers from 1 to 49 | 5 numbers from 1 to 50 + 2 stars from 1 to 12 |
| Price per bet | €0.50 | €1 (+€1 optional Joker) | €2.50 |
| Draws | Monday to Saturday | Monday, Thursday and Saturday | Tuesday and Friday |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 13,983,816 | 1 in 139,838,160 (6 + refund) | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| Jackpots | More modest | Can exceed €100 million | €17 to €250 million |
Bonoloto, Primitiva and Euromillones are, without doubt, the three most popular number lotteries among Spanish players. Although they share the same basic principle —pick numbers and wait for the draw—, their format, frequency and prizes are very different. Understanding these differences will help you decide which one best fits your playing style and prize expectations.
Differences in Game Format
Each of these lotteries has its own rules for filling in the ticket. Bonoloto involves choosing 6 numbers from 1 to 49, plus an additional reintegro number. Primitiva follows a similar scheme but adds the optional Joker number. Euromillones, on the other hand, requires choosing 5 numbers from 1 to 50 and 2 stars from 1 to 12, which greatly increases the possible combinations and therefore the difficulty of winning the top prize.
Differences in Draws and Frequency
Bonoloto is the lottery with the most draws: it is held Monday through Saturday, every day of the week except Sunday. Primitiva is drawn on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Euromillones, being a draw shared among several European countries, is only held on Tuesdays and Fridays. This frequency directly affects how many chances you have to play each week.
Differences in Prizes and Jackpots
This is where these three lotteries differ the most. Bonoloto offers more modest jackpots and has the same odds as Primitiva (6 numbers out of 49), but its bets cost half as much. Primitiva has jackpots that can grow considerably when no one hits the top category. Euromillones is, by far, the one offering the most spectacular jackpots, capable of exceeding 100 million euros, since it pools ticket sales from several European countries.
Key Differences Between the Three Lotteries
- Bonoloto: more weekly draws, cheaper bets, moderate prizes.
- Primitiva: a balance of frequency, difficulty and prizes, with the Joker as an extra.
- Euromillones: fewer draws, higher difficulty, but the biggest jackpots in Europe.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you like to play often and want better odds of winning small or medium prizes, Bonoloto is a good choice. If you prefer a middle ground between frequency and jackpot excitement, Primitiva is ideal, especially combined with the Joker. And if your goal is to dream of a life-changing prize, Euromillones is the lottery offering the highest jackpots. In many cases, the best approach is to combine several lotteries according to your budget and playing preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to win, Bonoloto or La Primitiva?
They have the same odds of matching 6 numbers: 1 in 13,983,816. The difference is that La Primitiva’s jackpot also requires the refund number, and Bonoloto is cheaper.
What is the difference between La Primitiva and EuroMillions?
La Primitiva is a national 6-from-49 game; EuroMillions is European, played with 5 numbers and 2 stars, with much bigger jackpots with the same jackpot odds as La Primitiva (1 in 139,838,160).
Which lottery has the most draws per week?
Bonoloto, drawn six days a week, Monday to Saturday.
Which lottery is cheapest?
Bonoloto, at €0.50 per bet. La Primitiva costs €1 and EuroMillions €2.50.
Which one should I play?
If you want to play often on a small budget, Bonoloto; for a middle ground, La Primitiva; and if you are drawn to Europe’s biggest jackpots, EuroMillions.
