If you have ever played the UK Thunderball lottery, you may have wondered what happens if your ticket only matches two main numbers.
It can be confusing to work out where any smaller wins may come in, especially if you are new to the game.
This guide will take you through exactly how the Thunderball works, explain the potential prizes in simple terms, and show you what a match of two numbers means for your ticket. By the end, you will clearly understand how the prize structure fits together and where two numbers sit within it.
How the Thunderball Lottery Works
The Thunderball is one of the games offered by the UK National Lottery. Each line costs £1. When you play, you pick 5 numbers from 1 to 39, and then 1 Thunderball number from a separate pool of 1 to 14.
Draws are held four times a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. For each draw, five main numbers and one Thunderball are randomly selected. Each draw is independent, which means results from previous draws do not affect future ones.
Prizes are fixed, so if you win, the amount is always the same for that winning combination, no matter how many other players might also win in the same draw. Unlike some other National Lottery games, Thunderball prizes do not roll over.
Do You Get Anything for 2 Numbers on the Thunderball?
If you match exactly 2 main numbers without the Thunderball, there is no prize for that line.
However, if you match 2 main numbers plus the Thunderball, you win £10. This is the same prize amount you would get for matching 3 main numbers without the Thunderball.
This difference is important to understand. Matching two numbers on their own does not qualify as a win, but if one of those numbers is the Thunderball, then it does.
Thunderball Prize Tiers Explained
The Thunderball has a set prize table that shows you exactly what each winning line pays:
- 5 main numbers + Thunderball – £500,000
- 5 main numbers – £5,000
- 4 main numbers + Thunderball – £250
- 4 main numbers – £100
- 3 main numbers + Thunderball – £20
- 3 main numbers – £10
- 2 main numbers + Thunderball – £10
- 1 main number + Thunderball – £5
- 0 main numbers + Thunderball – £3
The top prize of £500,000 is capped per winning line. This means that even if several players win in the same draw, each winning line still receives £500,000.
However, it’s important to remember that the Thunderball lottery is a game of chance, and any winnings can never be guaranteed.
Odds of Matching 2 Numbers
The odds of winning in the Thunderball depend on the combination you match. For 2 main numbers plus the Thunderball, the chance of winning is roughly 1 in 135.
To put this in context:
- The odds of winning the top prize by matching 5 main numbers plus the Thunderball are 1 in 8,060,598.
- The overall chance of winning any prize in Thunderball is around 1 in 13.
These figures highlight how the game is structured. Lower-value prizes tend to be more common, while higher potential prizes are much harder to achieve.
How to Check Your Thunderball Results
If you buy a Thunderball ticket in a shop, you can ask participating retailers to scan it. They will confirm whether your ticket has won. Smaller prizes can usually be paid in-store, although there are limits to how much a retailer can pay out. For larger amounts, you may need to claim directly through the National Lottery.
If you play online or through the National Lottery app, your results are displayed in your account. Any winnings up to certain limits can be paid automatically into the account you used to play. For larger potential prizes, you may be asked to complete additional checks or claim in person before the payment is made.
Results for every draw are published on the official National Lottery website, and recorded draws can often be watched back. Any prizes must be claimed within the official deadline.
Playing Thunderball Responsibly
The Thunderball is a game of chance, and outcomes are random. No system or method can change this. Because of that, it is important to decide how much you are comfortable spending before you take part.
Here are some simple tips to help keep your play safe:
- Set yourself a clear budget before you buy tickets.
- Treat it as a paid form of entertainment, not a way to make money.
- Check the official terms and potential prize structure, so you know what you are entering.
You must also be at least 18 years old to play any National Lottery game in the UK.
If you ever feel unsure about your play, guidance and tools are available on the National Lottery website.
*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.
**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.