How It Works
How It Works
An Bua runs fixed-entry prize competitions using a clear and consistent process.
We do not conduct a draw or select winners internally.
Instead, once entries close, a public Irish National Lottery draw is used solely as an independent reference to determine the winning entry, based on rules published in advance.
An Bua is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Irish National Lottery.
THE GENERAL PROCESS
(This applies to all competitions)- Enter the competition
- Entry numbers are assigned
- Entries close
- Independent reference used
- Winning entry confirmed
1- Enter the competition
Choose a competition, answer the qualifying question, and complete checkout to confirm your entry.
2- Entry numbers are assigned
Each valid entry is assigned a unique entry number within a fixed range.
Your entry number is:
• emailed to you for confirmation
• visible in your account
• shown on the competition entry list
3- Entries close
Each competition has:
• a fixed maximum number of entries, and
• where applicable, a stated end date
Entries close when the maximum number of entries is reached, or when the stated end date is reached.
Once entries close, no further entries are accepted.
4- Independent reference used
Before a competition opens, we publish which Irish National Lottery draw or draws will be used as an independent public reference.
The lottery draw is not part of the competition and is used only as a publicly available and verifiable reference.
5- Winning entry confirmed
After entries close:
• the published reference draw(s) take place
• the relevant reference number or numbers are identified
• the entry number that corresponds to those reference numbers is the winning entry
The competition page is updated and all participants are notified by email.
Competition Types
Each competition type follows the same structure, with a different number format and reference.
Entry format:
- One number between 1 and 47
Reference used:
- Bonus number from the main Irish Lotto draw
How the winning entry is determined:
Each entry is assigned one number between 1 and 47.
The bonus number from the published Irish Lotto draw is used as the reference.
The entry number that matches this reference is the winning entry.
Key points:
- Exactly 47 entries
- No countdown timer
- Entries close only when all 47 entries are taken
Example:
Main Lotto Bonus Number:19
Winning entry: 19
Entry format:
- Two numbers between 1 and 47
(for example: 24-09)
References used:
- First number: Bonus Number from the Main Irish Lotto draw
- Second number: Bonus Number from Lotto Plus 1 draw
How the winning entry is determined:
Each entry is assigned two numbers.
The first number corresponds to the main Irish Lotto draw.
The second number corresponds to Lotto Plus 1.
Together, these two numbers determine the winning entry.
Key points:
- Maximum of 2,209 entries
- If the competition does not fill by the stated end date, it is closed and entry fees are returned to the user’s wallet
Example:
Main Lotto Bonus Number: 24
Lotto Plus 1 Bonus Number: 09
Winning entry: 24-09
Entry format:
- Three numbers between 1 and 47
(for example: 45-06-17)
References used:
- First number: Bonus Number from the Main Irish Lotto draw
- Second number: Bonus Number from Lotto Plus 1 draw
- Third number: Bonus Number from Lotto Plus 2 draw
How the winning entry is determined:
Each entry is assigned three numbers.
Each number corresponds to a separate published Irish Lotto draw.
All three numbers together determine the winning entry.
Example:
Main Lotto Bonus Number: 45
Lotto Plus 1 Bonus Number: 06
Lotto Plus 2 Number: 17
Winning entry: 45-06-17
Entry Fees and Refunds
If a competition cannot be completed by the stated end date:
- the competition is closed
- entry fees are returned to the user’s wallet
Wallet balances can be used for future entries in line with the site terms.
Transparency
We keep the process consistent and verifiable:
- Entry limits are fixed before competitions open
- Reference draw(s) are published in advance
- The same method is used every time
- Rules do not change once a competition is live
- Completed competitions remain visible on the site