Does 1 Number and Bonus Ball Win Anything in UK Lottery Draws?
Ever wondered whether matching just one number and the Bonus Ball in the UK Lottery counts for a win? You’re not the only one. It is a regular sight on tickets, and it can be tricky to know what it actually means.
The short answer is that prizes are based on how many main numbers you match. The Bonus Ball has a role, but only in specific situations.
Below, we explain exactly how it works, what “1 Number and Bonus Ball” really means, and how to check your ticket with confidence.
What Does “1 Number And Bonus Ball” Mean In UK Lottery Draws?
Each Lotto line contains six main numbers that you choose. After the six winning main numbers are drawn, a separate Bonus Ball is picked from the remaining numbers.
Saying you have “1 Number and Bonus Ball” means your line matches one of the six main numbers and also matches the Bonus Ball. The Bonus Ball is not part of the six main numbers; it is drawn afterwards, and it only counts if it is one of the six numbers you originally picked.
This is a familiar outcome on many tickets. The key question is whether it leads to a prize, which depends entirely on how many main numbers you matched overall.
Can You Win With Only One Main Number And The Bonus Ball?
No. Matching one main number and the Bonus Ball is not a winning combination. Prizes begin at two main numbers, and the Bonus Ball only changes the result for players who have already matched exactly five main numbers.
Think of the Bonus Ball as a way to separate “Match 5” from “Match 5 + Bonus Ball.” If you have fewer than five main numbers, the Bonus Ball does not affect the outcome.
Which Prize Tiers Use The Bonus Ball?
Only one tier uses the Bonus Ball in Lotto. If you match exactly five main numbers and also match the Bonus Ball, you move into the “Match 5 + Bonus Ball” tier. That sits just below the jackpot, which is won by matching all six main numbers.
If you have fewer than five main numbers, the Bonus Ball has no effect. If you match all six main numbers, you win the jackpot and the Bonus Ball is not involved.
If you do land a prize, it helps to know what happens next.
How Small Prizes Are Paid And Claimed
For smaller wins on retail tickets, many prizes can be paid by the retailer after they scan your ticket. Larger amounts follow the National Lottery’s verified claims process, which may involve identity checks and payment arrangements set out in the official guidance.
If you bought your ticket online or through the app, smaller prizes are usually credited to your account automatically. For higher amounts, the National Lottery will provide instructions on how to complete your claim.
Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw, so keep your ticket safe and check the results promptly.
How To Check Your Ticket For A Bonus Ball Win?
The Lotto draw produces six main numbers, then a separate Bonus Ball. When comparing your ticket, focus first on how many of the six main numbers you have matched. If you have exactly five main numbers, the Bonus Ball becomes relevant and can move you from a Match 5 prize to Match 5 + Bonus Ball.
If you matched fewer than five main numbers, the Bonus Ball does not change the result. You can confirm outcomes using the official results page, the app, or by asking a retailer to check your ticket.
Are Rules Different Between National Lottery Games?
Yes. Each National Lottery game has its own draw format and prize structure. Lotto uses a Bonus Ball that only matters for Match 5 results, while other games work differently.
For example, Thunderball includes a separate Thunderball number, and EuroMillions has Lucky Stars. Because these systems vary, always check the specific rules for the game you are playing. The official National Lottery website explains the prize tiers for each draw.
With that in mind, it is easy to see why the Bonus Ball often causes confusion.
Common Misunderstandings About The Bonus Ball
A few myths come up again and again. Clearing them up makes checking your ticket far easier.
- The Bonus Ball does not create a prize by itself. It only matters if you have exactly five main numbers.
- Matching one main number and the Bonus Ball is not a win, and it does not award a free ticket.
- The Bonus Ball is not a seventh main number. It is drawn separately from the remaining pool after the six main numbers have been selected.
- If you match all six main numbers, you win the jackpot. The Bonus Ball plays no role in that outcome.
Understanding where the Bonus Ball fits in the prize table helps you read results accurately and avoid false hopes. Set sensible limits, and only spend what you can afford.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.