Lotto 5 Max Explained: Format, Odds, Results and Draw History
A plain, data-based guide to Lotto 5 Max. It sets out how many numbers are drawn, what the odds are, how it compares with Lotto, how often it’s drawn, the most recent results, and how often the top prize has actually been won, all taken from our own game records and draw archive.
The short version
- In our records, Lotto 5 Max draws 6 numbers from 1 to 52, plus a bonus ball.
- The chance of matching all 6 main numbers with one ticket is 1 in 20,358,520.
- It has been drawn about every 3.6 days in our archive.
- It has its own results, separate from Lotto and every other game.
Lotto 5 Max at a glance
| Main numbers drawn | 6 |
|---|---|
| Number range | 1 to 52 |
| Extra ball | Bonus ball |
| Possible combinations of the main numbers | 20,358,520 |
| Chance of matching all main numbers | 1 in 20,358,520 |
| Draws in our archive | 172 (1 Mar 2025 to 4 Nov 2026) |
These figures come from our game records and are worked out from the number range. Confirm the current format and rules with the operator.
How the format works
In each draw, 6 main numbers are chosen at random from 1 to 52. Order doesn’t matter, so the same set of numbers in any order is the same combination. Our records also include a bonus ball for each draw. The lottery’s official rules set out how it counts towards each prize division. Every combination has exactly the same chance of being drawn.
The odds in detail
Matching all the numbers is hard, but matching some is much more likely. This is the chance of matching exactly that many main numbers with one ticket:
| Main numbers matched | Chance with one ticket | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| 6 of 6 | 0.000005% | 1 in 20,358,520 |
| 5 of 6 | 0.0014% | 1 in 73,763 |
| 4 of 6 | 0.0763% | 1 in 1,311 |
| 3 of 6 | 1.5% | 1 in 67.1 |
| 2 of 6 | 12.0% | 1 in 8.3 |
Which matches pay a prize, and how any extra ball counts, is set by the official rules. This table only shows how likely each match is. See lottery odds explained for how these are worked out.
Lotto 5 Max compared with Lotto
They’re separate games with separate results. Here’s how the formats and records line up in our data:
| Lotto 5 Max | Lotto | |
|---|---|---|
| Main numbers drawn | 6 | 6 |
| Number range | 1 to 52 | 1 to 52 |
| Extra ball | Bonus ball | Bonus ball |
| Chance of matching all main numbers | 1 in 20,358,520 | 1 in 20,358,520 |
| Chance of matching exactly 3 | 1 in 67.1 | 1 in 67.1 |
| Average gap between draws | 3.6 days | 3.5 days |
| Draws with a top-division winner | 8% | 8% |
The game with the shorter odds is matched more often and, usually, pays smaller top prizes. Neither is a better bet: they’re different trade-offs, and no game improves the odds of any one ticket. See South African lottery games compared for every game side by side.
How often is Lotto 5 Max drawn?
Draw days and times are set by the operator and can change, so check the official schedule. In our archive, Lotto 5 Max has been drawn about every 3.6 days, most often on Wednesdays and Saturdays. That’s a description of past draws, not the official schedule.
The latest Lotto 5 Max result
The most recent draw in our archive is from 4 Nov 2026 (draw #2695):
Here is how that draw paid out:
| Division | Winners | Prize amount |
|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | 0 | R0 |
| Division 2 | 0 | R0 |
| Division 3 | 23 | R23 358 |
| Division 4 | 37 | R2 000 |
| Division 5 | 986 | R100 |
| Division 6 | 1,165 | R100 |
| Division 7 | 12,839 | R15 |
| Division 8 | 19,684 | R10 |
See the Lotto 5 Max results page for every draw, with a ticket checker. Always confirm a result on the official channels. Our guide to prize divisions explains how the divisions work.
The last 10 draws
| Draw date | Main numbers | Bonus ball |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Nov 2026 | 1, 10, 19, 23, 31, 38 | — |
| 31 Oct 2026 | 18, 19, 28, 34, 39, 48 | — |
| 28 Oct 2026 | 18, 31, 44, 47, 49, 52 | — |
| 24 Oct 2026 | 11, 18, 25, 34, 48, 50 | — |
| 17 Oct 2026 | 4, 11, 18, 25, 41, 46 | — |
| 14 Oct 2026 | 3, 8, 15, 24, 31, 32 | — |
| 10 Oct 2026 | 11, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40 | — |
| 7 Oct 2026 | 3, 5, 24, 40, 47, 49 | — |
| 3 Oct 2026 | 1, 14, 36, 42, 45, 48 | — |
| 30 Sep 2026 | 3, 5, 31, 35, 36, 48 | — |
How often has the top prize been won?
In our 172 recorded Lotto 5 Max draws, someone won the top division in 13 (8%). The longest run without a top-division winner lasted 24 draws, and the largest “next jackpot” figure recorded was R6 000 000. A rollover grows the prize but doesn’t change anyone’s chance of winning it. These figures describe past draws only.
Checking your ticket and claiming a prize
After a draw, find the right game and draw date on our results page and use the ticket checker, which runs in your browser and saves nothing. Then confirm the result on the official channels. If you think you’ve won, read how to claim a National Lottery prize before you do anything else.
What doesn’t change the odds
- Which numbers you choose, and whether you use Quick Pick.
- How long a number has been missing, or how often it has appeared.
- The size of the jackpot.
- Any system, chart or software.
Every draw is random and independent.
Playing sensibly
A lottery ticket is entertainment with a cost, not a way to earn money. Set a fixed budget you’re happy to lose, never chase losses and never borrow to play. If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available from the National Responsible Gambling Programme on 0800 006 008 (please double-check the number on their official website). Read our responsible play page
Frequently asked questions
What is Lotto 5 Max?
Lotto 5 Max is one of the South African lottery games we keep results for. In our game records it draws 6 numbers from 1 to 52. Rules and names are set by the operator and can change, so confirm them on the official channels.
What are the odds of winning Lotto 5 Max?
In our game records there are 20,358,520 possible combinations of the main numbers, so one ticket has a 1 in 20,358,520 chance of matching them all. Check the official rules for how any extra ball and the prize divisions work.
Is Lotto 5 Max the same as Lotto?
No. It has its own results and its own number format, so its numbers say nothing about the Lotto draw, and the reverse. Check the right game and draw date when you review a ticket.
Where can I see Lotto 5 Max results?
On our Lotto 5 Max results page, which lists the latest draw and every earlier one in our archive. Always confirm results on the official channels.
Can past Lotto 5 Max results help me pick numbers?
No. Every draw is random and independent, so earlier results say nothing about the next one, and every valid combination has the same chance.
How do I claim a Lotto 5 Max prize?
Follow the official claim instructions for your game and prize level. TechChamp is an independent information site and can’t confirm wins or process claims.
Related guides
- Lotto 5 Max results and draw history
- Lotto 5 Max statistics
- How to play Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto 5 Max
- South African lottery games compared
- Lottery odds explained
- South African lottery results and ticket checker
TechChamp is an independent information site. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the South African National Lottery, Ithuba or any official operator, and we don’t sell tickets or process claims.