1. Definition
“Carry Over” refers to a system in lotteries where the prize money allocated for a top-tier prize (such as 1st prize) is not awarded due to a lack of winners, and is instead rolled over to the next drawing. This increases the potential payout for future winners.
2. Background and Mechanism
Carry over systems are used in many number-based Japanese lotteries such as Loto 6, Loto 7, and BIG. When there are no winners for the top prize in a given draw, the unclaimed prize amount is added to the prize pool for the next draw.
Key features:
- Triggered only when no winner is found in a specific prize tier
- Increases the next draw’s prize amount significantly
- Carry overs can accumulate over multiple consecutive draws
Example: If Loto 6 has no 1st prize winner, about ¥200 million may be carried over, potentially boosting the next top prize to as much as ¥600 million.
3. Examples and Usage
- “This week’s Loto 7 has a carry over—1st prize up to ¥1 billion!”
- “The total carry over pool now exceeds ¥1 billion.”
- “No winner last week → increased prize money this week.”
4. Differences from Related Terms
- Prize Money: The actual payout to winners
- Total Prize Pool: The full distribution of funds for a given lottery draw
- Carry Over: Only refers to unawarded funds being rolled over to future draws, not actual payouts
5. Tips and Considerations
- Carry overs increase potential winnings, but do not affect your odds of winning
- Higher prize pools may attract more participants, increasing competition
- The carry over ends when someone finally wins the applicable prize tier
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it better to buy tickets only when there’s a carry over?
A. Prize amounts increase, but odds remain the same. It depends on personal strategy.
Q2. Is there a cap on carry over amounts?
A. Yes. Each lottery type has its own maximum limits (e.g., Loto 7 caps 1st prize at ¥1 billion).
Q3. Where can I check carry over amounts?
A. On official lottery websites, at retailers, or in newspaper listings.
7. Related Terms
- Loto 6
- Loto 7
- Total Prize Pool
- Prize Money
- No Winner
8. Summary
Carry Over is a lottery mechanism that adds unclaimed prize money to future draws, increasing the potential payout and drawing interest from players. While it boosts excitement and rewards, it doesn’t alter the odds of winning—so informed and balanced participation remains key.