FDJ (La Française des Jeux) The LOTO celebrates its 50th anniversary!

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Since 1976, LOTO has been part of the daily lives of many French people. On the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, FDJ UNITED looks back on the emblematic history of this lottery game, born from a heritage of solidarity, and which has constantly reinvented itself.

The origins of the Lottery: between solidarity and heritage

The lottery game originated in Genoa, Italy, in the 16th century. Long limited in France, it wasn't until 1931 that associations of World War I veterans , the "Gueules Cassées" (Broken Faces) and the Fédération Nationale André Maginot (FNAM) , conceived of a charitable raffle to help soldiers without resources. Its success led to the creation of the National Lottery in 1933.

As the National Lottery began to lose momentum in the 1970s, veterans' associations proposed to the government the creation of a new game: LOTO. The first draw was held on May 19, 1976, for which 73,690 tickets were sold. A modest start that marked the beginning of lasting success.

Since 1976, LOTO has been part of the daily lives of many French people. On the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, FDJ UNITED looks back on the emblematic history of this lottery game, born from a heritage of solidarity, and which has constantly reinvented itself.

The origins of the Lottery: between solidarity and heritage

The lottery game originated in Genoa, Italy, in the 16th century. Long limited in France, it wasn't until 1931 that associations of World War I veterans , the "Gueules Cassées" (Broken Faces) and the Fédération Nationale André Maginot (FNAM) , conceived of a charitable raffle to help soldiers without resources. Its success led to the creation of the National Lottery in 1933.

As the National Lottery began to lose momentum in the 1970s, veterans' associations proposed to the government the creation of a new game: LOTO. The first draw was held on May 19, 1976, for which 73,690 tickets were sold. A modest start that marked the beginning of lasting success.

1976–2026: 50 years of dreams and shared moments

Over the past fifty years, the LOTO has established itself as a popular and intergenerational event.

Nearly 16 million players were still trying their luck in 2025, proof of its enduring popularity. The game has also become ingrained in the collective memory through iconic lines such as "That's the game, my poor Lucette" or "Goodbye, Mr. President."

A look back at half a century of LOTO history with Le Monde.

Behind the scenes of a LOTO draw

Each Lotto draw relies on a system that is as precise as it is rigorous. Behind the balls and spheres lies a meticulously planned organization, where each step is controlled to guarantee the integrity of the draw.

LOTO, a game true to its redistribution model

From its inception, LOTO has been part of a model based on social utility. Heir to the National Lottery, created to help veterans – who still hold 16% of the capital of FDJ UNITED.

Beyond this legacy, each bet contributes to a unique redistribution model , benefiting players, territories and the general interest, particularly in the areas of sport, heritage, biodiversity and equal opportunities.

With schemes like Mission Patrimoine or Mission Nature , part of the funding helps to support projects to restore sites in danger and initiatives in favor of biodiversity.