Mega Sena
Mega Sena is Brazil's largest lottery game. The Caixa Econômica Federal operates it under regulation by the Brazilian government. Draws occur three times per week: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
How the Game Works
Players select six numbers from a range of 1 to 60. The lottery draws six winning numbers plus two supplementary balls known as the Teimosinha. A single ticket costs a fixed amount set by Caixa.
The six main balls determine most prize tiers. The two supplementary balls create additional winning combinations. This structure means more players match partial combinations, spreading prize money across more winners in lower tiers.
Tickets remain valid for draw dates specified at purchase. Players can select numbers themselves or use the quick-pick system for random selections.
Prize Tiers and Odds
Mega Sena uses a six-tier structure based on the number of balls matched.
First prize goes to players who match all six main numbers. Second prize requires five main numbers plus one supplementary ball. Third prize requires five main numbers only. Fourth prize requires four main numbers plus at least one supplementary ball. Fifth prize requires four main numbers. Sixth prize requires three main numbers plus at least one supplementary ball.
The odds of winning any prize on a single ticket are approximately 1 in 2,237. This is the combined probability across all six tiers.
First prize odds sit at 1 in 50,063,860. This reflects the statistical difficulty of matching all six numbers from a 60-number pool.
Prize pools are divided proportionally among winners in each tier. If multiple players match the same tier, they split that tier's money. Higher tiers have fewer winners, so jackpots concentrate there. Lower tiers generate more winners because more number combinations exist.
Draw Schedule and Results
The lottery conducts three draws each week. Wednesday and Saturday draws happen at 20:00 Brasília time. Sunday draws occur at 15:00 Brasília time.
Results are published on the Caixa website within minutes of the draw. Winning tickets must be claimed within a time window set by Caixa, typically 90 days from the draw date.
Tickets purchased for future draws lock in the draw date at purchase. Players cannot change selections once the ticket is issued.
Tax Considerations
In Brazil, lottery prizes above a certain threshold incur withholding tax. Caixa deducts this tax before paying the winner. The rate and threshold depend on federal regulations current at the time of the draw.
Players outside Brazil may face additional tax obligations in their home jurisdiction. Tax treatment varies by country and residency status. International players should consult local tax authorities before claiming prizes.
Expected Value and Probability Context
The expected value of any single ticket is negative, meaning the average payout per dollar spent falls below the ticket cost. Lottery games are structured so that a portion of revenue funds the prize pool, with the remainder supporting operations and the state.
No number selection strategy changes these odds. Each draw is independent. Previous results do not influence future draws.
Syndicate play (pooling tickets with others) increases the total number of combinations covered but divides any prize proportionally. A syndicate does not improve expected value per dollar; it only spreads risk across more players.
The overall odds of winning any prize (tier 2 through tier 6) are roughly 1 in 2,237 per ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the six main balls and the two supplementary balls?
The six main balls determine the core winning combinations. The two supplementary balls, called Teimosinha, create additional winning combinations in certain tiers. For example, matching five main numbers plus one supplementary ball wins a higher prize than five main numbers alone. This two-ball system increases the number of ways to win but concentrates larger jackpots in the first prize tier.
How often does Mega Sena draw, and what time?
Mega Sena draws three times per week: Wednesday at 20:00 Brasília time, Saturday at 20:00 Brasília time, and Sunday at 15:00 Brasília time. Draws occur on schedule regardless of jackpot size.
What are the actual odds of winning the jackpot?
The odds of matching all six main numbers to win first prize are 1 in 50,063,860. This calculation reflects the total possible combinations from selecting 6 numbers out of 60. No strategy or selection method changes these odds.
How long do I have to claim a prize if I win?
Caixa sets a claim window, typically 90 days from the draw date. Tickets must be claimed within this period or the prize is forfeited. Winners should verify the specific deadline for their draw date with Caixa or their ticket seller.
Are taxes deducted from prize payouts in Brazil?
Yes. Brazil applies withholding tax to lottery prizes above a certain threshold. Caixa deducts this amount before paying the winner. The specific rate and threshold are set by federal regulations. International winners may owe additional tax in their home country.
Does matching four numbers plus one supplementary ball win a prize?
Yes. Matching four main numbers plus at least one supplementary ball wins fourth prize. Matching four main numbers without a supplementary ball wins fifth prize. The supplementary balls create separate prize tiers and increase the number of ways to win in the lower tiers.
