Many people check their UK Lotto tickets straight after the draw, and the Bonus Ball often raises questions. It can look like it should help more often than it does, especially when one main number and the Bonus Ball appear on the same line.
This guide explains exactly when the Bonus Ball counts, whether 1 number plus the Bonus Ball wins anything, and how the prize tiers work. It also covers odds, typical outcomes, and how to check and claim any prize.
Lotto draws are random, and there is no guarantee of a return. If you choose to play, set limits that suit you.
What Counts As A Win In UK Lotto Draws?
In the UK Lotto, prizes are based on how many main numbers are matched on a single line. Each draw selects six main numbers, plus a Bonus Ball from the remaining pool.
The more main numbers matched, the higher the prize tier. The jackpot is won by matching all six main numbers, and the next highest prize is for five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball.
Here is a summary of the prize tiers:
- 6 main numbers: Jackpot
- 5 main numbers + Bonus Ball: £1,000,000
- 5 main numbers: £1,750
- 4 main numbers: £140
- 3 main numbers: £30
- 2 main numbers: Free Lucky Dip
At least two main numbers must be matched on a line to qualify for any prize. A single main number on its own does not pay out.
So, where does the Bonus Ball actually come into play?
How The Bonus Ball Affects Prize Tiers
The Bonus Ball is drawn after the six main numbers and is only relevant to tickets that have matched exactly five main numbers. If a line has those five and also matches the Bonus Ball, it moves up to the £1,000,000 tier. If it has five main numbers without the Bonus Ball, it receives the lower fixed amount for that tier.
For all other combinations, the Bonus Ball does not change the result. Prizes are decided by how many main numbers are matched, unless there are exactly five.
With that in mind, what happens if you see one main number and the Bonus Ball on your ticket?
Does Matching 1 Number Plus The Bonus Ball Win Anything?
No. Matching one main number plus the Bonus Ball on a single line does not qualify for a prize.
The minimum required for any prize is two main numbers. Because the Bonus Ball only helps when there are exactly five main matches, a combination of one main number and the Bonus Ball does not meet the prize structure.
If you are checking a ticket and see this mix, it can look promising at first glance, but it is not a winning line.
Can The Bonus Ball Alone Trigger A Prize?
No. Matching only the Bonus Ball, with no main numbers on the line, does not pay out.
As noted above, prizes start from two main numbers. The Bonus Ball only has an effect alongside five main matches.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 1 Number And The Bonus Ball?
The Lotto draws six main numbers from 59, then a Bonus Ball from the remaining numbers. Although 1 main number plus the Bonus Ball is not a prize tier, it is possible to estimate how often it happens. Mathematically, the chance is roughly 1 in 28 for a single line. For context, the chance of matching two main numbers, which does award a Free Lucky Dip, is about 1 in 10.
Every draw is independent and the results are random, so no specific outcome can be predicted.
To see how this plays out in real life, it helps to look at a few quick examples.
Examples: Typical Ticket Outcomes
Understanding likely outcomes makes checking a ticket simpler. The scenarios below reflect what many players notice after a draw.
Example: One Main Number Plus Bonus Ball
If a line shows one main Lotto number and the Bonus Ball, that line does not win a prize. The lowest prize tier requires two main numbers.
Example: Bonus Ball Only With No Main Matches
If a line shows only the Bonus Ball and none of the six main numbers, there is no prize for that line. The Bonus Ball by itself is not a winning match.
Once you know what counts, the next step is making sure any winning line is picked up and paid correctly.
How To Check Your Ticket And Claim A Prize?
After each draw, tickets can be checked against the published results on the official website or app, which highlights any winning lines. Paper tickets can also be scanned or checked by retailers using in-store terminals. It is worth looking at both the main numbers and, where relevant, the Bonus Ball to see whether it affects a five-match line.
If a prize has been won, the way it is paid depends on the amount and how the ticket was bought. Smaller wins, including Free Lucky Dip tickets and modest cash prizes, are usually paid by retailers. Larger amounts are claimed through the official process, which might involve a phone call or visiting a regional centre for validation and payment.
Keep any paper ticket safe and within view until you have confirmed the result and completed any claim.
Common Misconceptions About The Bonus Ball
There are a few recurring myths about how the Bonus Ball works. A common one is that matching it with any number of main numbers boosts the prize. It does not. The Bonus Ball only helps lines that have exactly five main matches.
Another misconception is that the Bonus Ball can pay out by itself. It cannot. Prizes are based on two or more main numbers, with the Bonus Ball only acting as an extra boost for a five-match line.
Some also believe that one main number plus the Bonus Ball should count for something. It is understandable to think that way, but the rules are clear that this combination is not a prize tier.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help. Knowing how the Bonus Ball really works should make checking your ticket simpler, set expectations clearly, and keep play in perspective.
**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.