Israel Lottery Subscription Price to Increase by 16.7%

Mifal HaPayis, Israel's state-run lottery operator, has announced a price increase for its "Payis Plus" app subscription. Starting March 4, 2027, the monthly subscription fee will rise by 10 shekels, from 60 to 70 shekels, marking a 16.67% increase. This will result in an additional annual cost of 120 shekels per subscriber, bringing the yearly total from 720 to 840 shekels.

The subscription automatically enters users into five monthly lottery draws. The cost per entry will also increase from 12 to 14 shekels. Additionally, the monthly bonus prize, currently 75 all-expenses-paid trips for two to New York, will be reduced. From March 2027, there will be 50 prizes of unspecified trips and stays, valued at approximately 27,000 shekels each, totaling 1.35 million shekels. This represents a one-third reduction in the number of trips offered, with the destination now broadly defined as "flights and couple's vacation" instead of a specific New York/USA trip.

Many subscribers have reportedly never won any prizes despite paying for years. However, subscribers do receive discount vouchers for fashion chains, hotels, attractions, and marketing networks, which some use to offset their subscription costs. The article notes these vouchers are considered relatively attractive.

Mifal HaPayis also stated that the prize amounts for the regular lottery draws will increase. The first prize for a single winner will rise from 1.5 million to 1.8 million shekels. Prizes for multiple winners will also see increases across different tiers. The operator assures that at least 58% of revenue will be allocated to benefits and prizes, with at least 34% going directly to prizes, consistent with previous minimum allocation percentages. The actual monetary value of prizes is expected to increase due to the higher overall revenue generated from the increased subscription and entry fees.