The New Year Millionaire Raffle is one of the most anticipated events in Ireland’s lottery calendar, offering a life-changing prize to one lucky winner. But this year, changes to the raffle are causing concern among players. The National Lottery has increased the number of tickets available from 500,000 to 600,000, effectively reducing the odds of winning for those hoping to kick off 2025 with a million euros.

Here’s why this change matters and what it means for ticket holders.

What’s Changed?

In previous years, the Millionaire Raffle sold a maximum of 500,000 tickets, providing hopeful participants with a clear 1-in-500,000 chance of winning the top prize. While these odds were already steep, they were part of what made the raffle so appealing—a once-a-year gamble with relatively favourable odds compared to the weekly Lotto draws.

This year, however, the National Lottery has increased the ticket cap to 600,000, adding an extra 100,000 tickets to the pool. While the additional tickets mean more revenue for the Lotto and potentially more prizes at lower tiers, the odds of any individual ticket claiming the €1 million jackpot have worsened to 1-in-600,000.

Why Players Are Concerned

1. Reduced Odds of Winning

The most significant impact of the increased ticket count is the reduced likelihood of winning the grand prize. For many players, the Millionaire Raffle’s appeal lay in its relatively low ticket pool compared to other lottery games. This change has diluted that advantage.

2. Perceived Greed

Some players feel that this change prioritizes revenue over fairness. With tickets priced at €25 each, the additional 100,000 tickets represent an extra €2.5 million in revenue for the National Lottery, raising questions about whether this move is motivated by profit rather than enhancing the player experience.

3. Unfair to Loyal Participants

Many people have made the Millionaire Raffle an annual tradition, purchasing tickets as a Christmas gift or New Year’s treat. For these loyal players, the increase in tickets feels like a betrayal of the trust and excitement built over the years.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re planning to participate in this year’s Millionaire Raffle, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons:

• Pros: The raffle remains a unique opportunity to win €1 million with better odds than most Lotto games. The event also includes additional prizes at lower tiers, which may appeal to some players.
• Cons: The reduced odds of winning the top prize mean your chances of becoming a millionaire are now slimmer than in previous years.

Final Thoughts

The New Year Millionaire Raffle has been a source of excitement and hope for many in Ireland, but the decision to increase ticket numbers has raised valid concerns. As with any lottery, it’s essential to approach it with caution and manage expectations. While the dream of becoming an overnight millionaire is enticing, players should consider the implications of the reduced odds before buying a ticket.

If you do decide to participate, remember to play responsibly. And if you choose to sit this one out, there are plenty of other ways to make the New Year memorable without taking a gamble.