Many people play the UK Lotto and notice the Bonus Ball drawn at the end of each game. Knowing what it does, and whether one main number with the Bonus Ball earns a prize, is not always obvious.
This guide explains the role of the Bonus Ball, which prize tier it affects, whether one number plus the Bonus Ball wins anything, and how the odds and prize table fit together. You will also find practical advice on checking results and claiming smaller prizes, plus a quick look at common misunderstandings.
Being well informed helps you make clear, confident choices. Read on for a straightforward look at how the Bonus Ball works in the UK Lotto.
Can You Win With One Main Number And The Bonus Ball?
Many players wonder if matching just one main number and the Bonus Ball in the UK Lotto will result in a prize. According to the official rules, it does not. The Bonus Ball only comes into play for one specific tier, and that is when a ticket already has five main numbers.
Prizes in Lotto start at matching two main numbers, which gives a free Lucky Dip entry. From there, rewards increase as more main numbers are matched. The Bonus Ball does not create extra lower-tier wins on its own.
If you are checking your ticket and see one number plus the Bonus Ball, it is not a winning line. So what prize, if any, is attached to that exact combination?
What Prize Is Awarded For One Number Plus The Bonus Ball?
There is no prize for matching one main number and the Bonus Ball in the UK Lotto. The official prize table does not include this outcome, either as a cash award or a free Lucky Dip.
The only time the Bonus Ball changes the result is when a ticket has exactly five main numbers. In that case, it boosts the prize tier. For everything else, only the count of main numbers matters, just as noted above.
What Are The Odds Of Matching One Number And The Bonus Ball?
Some players are curious about how likely it is to land one main number and the Bonus Ball. Because that combination does not pay a prize, it is not listed in the published odds.
For context, the official figures do show the chances of other outcomes. Matching two main numbers is about 1 in 10.3, while hitting five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball is 1 in 7,509,579. That contrast shows why the Bonus Ball is reserved for higher-tier results rather than lower ones.
How The Bonus Ball Works In Lotto UK
In the UK Lotto, six main numbers are drawn first from a pool of 59. A seventh number is then drawn from the remaining balls and designated as the Bonus Ball.
Players do not pick the Bonus Ball, and it does not apply to every prize tier. Its sole purpose is to elevate the value of a line that already has five main numbers. If a ticket has fewer than five, the Bonus Ball has no effect on that outcome.
With that in mind, it helps to know exactly which tiers the Bonus Ball touches.
Which Prize Tiers Include The Bonus Ball?
The Bonus Ball features in only one prize tier: matching exactly five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball. When that happens, the prize is £1,000,000.
All other tiers are based purely on main numbers. Matching six main numbers wins the jackpot, while matching five, four, three, or two main numbers leads to the set prizes for those tiers.
Curious whether your own ticket includes the Bonus Ball in a way that matters? Here is how to check without any fuss.
How To Check If Your Ticket Includes One Number And The Bonus Ball?
After each draw, the official results list six main numbers and the Bonus Ball. Compare your line with those results and note any matches. If your ticket shows one of the main numbers and the Bonus Ball, you have matched that combination, even though it is not a paying tier.
If you prefer a quicker route, most official websites and apps offer a ticket checker. Enter your line and the tool highlights which numbers matched, saving you from scanning the results manually. You can also use our results checker to confirm your line in seconds.
How To Claim Small Lotto Prizes
Claiming lower-tier Lotto prizes is usually straightforward. Retail purchases can often be paid at the shop for smaller amounts, as staff can scan the ticket and pay out up to the store’s limit. For online or app purchases, smaller prizes are typically credited automatically to the same account.
Always check the official National Lottery guidance for claim limits, identification requirements, and deadlines. Keep any paper ticket safe and review results soon after the draw to avoid missing the claim window.
Common Misunderstandings About The Bonus Ball
A frequent misconception is that the Bonus Ball acts like a general boost. It does not. It is only relevant to lines that already have five main numbers.
Another common belief is that matching the Bonus Ball alone, or with just one main number, leads to a reward. That is not the case. The Bonus Ball only matters for five-plus-Bonus.
It is also sometimes assumed that players choose a Bonus Ball when selecting numbers. They do not. It is a separate number drawn after the six main numbers and is not printed on tickets.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
**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.