Top 5 Myths About Playing Lottery in India – Debunked!

Over the past few years, the lottery in India has seen a sharp rise in popularity, with more and more people hoping to strike it rich with a life-changing jackpot. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have long-standing lottery systems that contribute significantly to state revenues. At the same time, the rise of online platforms has made playing easier and more accessible than ever. Now, anyone with a smartphone or computer can buy tickets, check results, and dream big, all from the comfort of home

But as interest in the lottery grows, so do the myths and misconceptions surround it. In this article, we’ll unpack five of the most common myths about playing the lottery in India, and set the record straight.

Myth #1. Lottery is the Same as Keno

Nope, it’s not. While they’re very similar (except for the fact that you can play Keno several times a day, and lotto only once weekly), they’re indeed different. But interestingly, many who enjoy the odd lotto draw are flocking to OnlineCasinos.inc to try their luck a few more times, for good measure.

Flexibility is another major difference between Lottery and Keno. Keno typically offers a larger number pool, usually 1 to 80, compared to most lotteries, which draw from 35 to 50 numbers. Moreover, in keno, players can choose anywhere from 3 to 20 numbers, depending on the game. Lottery tickets, on the other hand, usually require players to pick a fixed set of numbers.

Myth #2. Only Low-Income Individuals Play Lottery

A common misconception is that  the lottery is only for those struggling financially, but that’s simply not true. While many people with modest incomes are drawn to the idea of a big win, folks from all income levels play the lottery. In India, part of the reason it’s so popular is because it’s affordable. The low-ticket prices and the chance to win big make it appealing not just to the working class, but also to middle-income earners who see it as a small risk with a big possible reward.

Myth #3. You’ll Get Rich

Now despite what all the clever promotion surrounding lotteries says, while the jackpots are lifechanging, the odds of winning are incredibly low. As such, no matter how often you play, you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than securing a win, especially when the chance of winning a bumper prize in many Indian state lotteries is 1 in several million.

Still, many people tend to overestimate their odds of winning, thanks to something known as the “availability heuristic.” This is when frequent news stories or social media buzz about big lottery wins make it seem like hitting the jackpot is more common than it really is. In reality, the lottery is one of the least reliable paths to wealth, with the odds heavily stacked against players.

Myth #4. You Can Only Play the Lottery Alone

The idea that you can only play the lottery solo is simply not true. Thanks to advances in technology and online platforms, lottery playing has become much more social. One popular option is joining a lottery syndicate, a group of people who pool their money to buy more tickets, which boosts their chances of winning.

Syndicates have turned lottery playing into a smarter, more strategic experience. By buying tickets as a group, players can access a larger number of combinations, increasing the odds of hitting a prize. Many online lottery services now make it easy to form or join a syndicate, manage contributions, and even automate prize sharing.

So, no, you don’t have to go it alone. Teaming up with others not only raises your chances but also adds a sense of community and shared excitement to the experience.

Myth #5. Your Lottery Wins Are Not Taxed

A lot of people believe that lottery winnings in India are tax-free, but that’s just not the case. Any prize money you win from the lottery is taxed at a flat rate of 30%, as per Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This tax applies no matter what your regular income is, and you can’t use deductions or exemptions (like those under Section 80C) to reduce the amount you owe.

This often comes as a shock to winners who assume they’ll get the full payout. For instance, if you win ₹1 crore, you won’t be taking home the entire amount—once taxes are deducted, the final figure is a lot lower.

So, before you start planning how to spend your jackpot, it’s good to know that the taxman gets a big slice first.