Lottery Syndicates
A lottery syndicate is a group of players who come together to buy tickets. It may be that you do this to cut the cost of playing, purchase more entries in an affordable way, or just to have fun. Find out more about syndicates below.
How to Create a Syndicate
It is really easy to create a syndicate. You can build a team of friends, family or work mates, or even just go to a convenience store or newsagency and join a syndicate that has already been set up. Retail staff members can help to get you up and running, or you can use tools such as The Lott's 'SyndiMate' to generate barcodes than can then be scanned in.
If you've got a lottery card, you can use this in-store when you join a pre-existing syndicate. Any winnings will then be automatically added to your account.
You can submit any type of entry as a syndicate - a marked entry, Quick Pick, System or Pick. It's a good idea to agree on as many details as you can before you get started. Even if you're playing with friends or family, it helps to avoid complications or potential disputes. Points that you may wish to consider include:
- Making a list of everyone in the syndicate
- Appointing a syndicate leader to oversee everything and be in charge of buying tickets
- How much everyone has to pay and when it is due
- How prizes will be split out between the group
- What happens if someone doesn't pay in on time
Benefits of a Syndicate
Playing in a syndicate provides multiple benefits. It helps to keep costs down as you split the expenditure with others, and if you win you get to experience the winning feeling together.
The biggest advantage, though, is that it can considerably increase your chances of winning. By pooling your money as a group, it is far easier to purchase a lot of tickets. This might encourage you to buy a System or Pick entry that you would not normally do if you are playing solo.
As well as boosting your odds of getting a Division 1 prize, group play can lead to more wins at a lower level.
For example, the 'Mad Monday 2' syndicate - organised by Hunt Club Lotto in Cranbourne East - won a total of $1,007,579.35 in a Monday Lotto draw in February 2024. The syndicate consisted of 12 Victorians who had bought their shares at eight different Tatts outlets across Melbourne. Not only did they win the Division 1 prize of $1 million, but they also accumulated other wins in lower divisions thanks to their System 9 entry. Each winner ended up with $83,964.94.