Taking part in the UK National Lottery is something that many look forward to each week. Among the terms you might see in Lotto is the Bonus Ball, and it often raises questions.
Whether you’re new to buying tickets or have been playing for years, knowing what the Bonus Ball could help you read results with more confidence.
This guide covers how the Bonus Ball fits into Lotto, when it matters, and how it relates to the different prize tiers. Read on to learn more.
What Is the Bonus Ball in the UK National Lottery?
The Bonus Ball is an extra number drawn during the main Lotto draw, after the six main numbers. It comes from the same pool as the main numbers, but it is taken only once those six have been drawn.
You do not choose the Bonus Ball when you pick your line. It is used solely for specific prize checks and has no value on its own. Matching only the Bonus Ball does not pay a prize; it supports certain winning combinations that already include enough main numbers.
If you do decide to try your hand at the Lotto, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does the Bonus Ball Work in Lotto?
In Lotto, players select six numbers from 1 to 59. Each draw produces six main numbers first, followed by a separate Bonus Ball selected from the remaining numbers that were not drawn as main numbers.
The Bonus Ball does not feature in most prize tiers. It comes into play only if a ticket has already matched five of the six main numbers, at which point the Bonus Ball can move that ticket into a higher tier than matching five alone. It has no part in the jackpot calculation.
For example, if a ticket matches five of the main numbers, the Bonus Ball can lift that outcome into a higher bracket. If it matches fewer than five, the Bonus Ball makes no difference.
When Does the Bonus Ball Come Into Play?
The Bonus Ball becomes relevant when checking results after the six main numbers are confirmed. If a ticket shows exactly five main-number matches, the Bonus Ball is then compared with the remaining number on that line to see whether it upgrades the prize.
If a ticket matches two, three, four, or all six main numbers, the Bonus Ball is not considered. It is only checked for results that land on five main matches.
This is why many players focus on the main numbers first, then look to the Bonus Ball only if they are sitting on five.
Which Prizes Can the Bonus Ball Help You Win?
The Bonus Ball affects just one prize tier in Lotto. Matching five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball places a ticket into the higher of the two “five-match” categories, sitting directly below the jackpot.
Matching five main numbers without the Bonus Ball pays a lower amount than matching five plus the Bonus Ball. The Bonus Ball does not upgrade any other tiers, such as two, three, four, or all six matches.
Prize values and structures can be updated from time to time, but the principle stays the same: the Bonus Ball only upgrades a five-match result.
What Is the Difference Between the Bonus Ball and the Main Numbers?
The six main numbers are the ones you choose when you fill out your ticket, and they decide almost all outcomes, including the jackpot. They are drawn first from the standard pool.
The Bonus Ball is a single extra number drawn afterwards from the remaining pool. Players do not select it. Its role is narrow: it can upgrade a five-match result, and that is the limit of its influence.
So, it might be helpful to think of the main numbers as the foundation of every win, with the Bonus Ball acting as a targeted boost only in one specific scenario.
Does the Bonus Ball Affect Jackpot Wins?
No. The Lotto jackpot is won by matching all six main numbers. The Bonus Ball is not part of that combination and does not affect the top prize in any way.
Matching the Bonus Ball on its own, or alongside fewer than six main numbers, does not move a ticket closer to the jackpot. If a ticket hits all six main numbers, it wins the jackpot regardless of the Bonus Ball.
Understanding this split makes results easier to read: focus on the six main numbers for the jackpot, and look to the Bonus Ball only if you land exactly five. That way, every draw is simpler to follow and you know exactly when the Bonus Ball matters.
**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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.