Does 1 Number and Bonus Ball Win Anything in Lotto Draws?
Ever found yourself checking a ticket and seeing just one main number and the bonus ball? It feels close, but what does it actually mean for prizes?
Many players wonder whether that combination counts for anything or if it is simply back to the next draw. The short answer is clear, but there are a few rules that help explain why.
Below, we break down how the bonus ball works, which prize tiers it affects, and what you can realistically expect when your numbers land that way.
What Does Matching One Main Number Plus The Bonus Ball Mean?
Seeing one main number alongside the bonus ball is a near-miss rather than a win. Most prize structures only begin at two main numbers, and the bonus ball is designed to increase payouts for strong lines, usually those that already have five main numbers.
If your ticket shows one main number and the bonus ball, it simply means the bonus ball has appeared on your line without the level of main-number matches needed for a payout. It adds value only when paired with a higher match count.
So how is the bonus ball treated across different games, and where does it actually make a difference?
How Do Prize Tiers Treat The Bonus Ball In UK Lotto?
The bonus ball causes a lot of confusion, so it helps to see exactly where it fits in the prize tiers and where it does not.
UK Lotto Prize Structure And The Bonus Ball
In the main UK Lotto draw, the bonus ball only comes into play if you have matched five main numbers. Five plus the bonus ball pays a larger prize than five without it.
Matching the bonus ball with fewer than five main numbers does not pay. It is a booster at higher tiers, not a separate path to a win at lower ones.
Thunderball And Other Draws That Use A Bonus Number
Thunderball works differently. The Thunderball acts as an extra number with its own prize tiers. You can win lower-tier prizes for matching the Thunderball with one or more main numbers, and there is even a prize for matching the Thunderball on its own. The top prize requires five main numbers plus the Thunderball.
Other games, such as EuroMillions, use additional numbers like Lucky Stars, but each game applies them in its own way. The safest approach is to check the prize breakdown for the specific draw you play.
Do You Win A Prize For Only One Main Number And The Bonus Ball?
This is one of the most common questions. As explained earlier, one main number plus the bonus ball does not win a prize in standard UK Lotto. The prize table begins at two main numbers, and the bonus ball only boosts lines that already have five main numbers.
If your ticket shows one main number and the bonus ball, there is no payout in the usual prize structure. Special draws and promotions can change prize tiers, so it is worth reviewing the current breakdown before you claim.
That naturally leads to another question: how often does that near-miss actually happen?
What Are The Odds Of Matching One Number Plus The Bonus Ball?
It occurs more often than many people expect. In UK Lotto, where six main numbers are drawn from 59 and the bonus ball is drawn from the remaining numbers, the chance of landing exactly one main number plus the bonus ball is several percent per line. In practical terms, it shows up fairly regularly compared with higher-tier outcomes, even though it does not pay out.
Exact odds vary by game and any format changes, so take this as a general guide rather than a fixed figure. The key point is that it is not especially rare, but it remains outside the prize table in standard Lotto.
So if a smaller win does land on your ticket, how is it paid and how do you claim it?
How Prize Payments And Claiming Work For Low-Tier Wins
Smaller wins are straightforward to claim. If you play online or through an app, low-tier prizes are usually credited to your account automatically. The funds then sit in your balance or can be withdrawn to your chosen payment method, depending on the amount and any verification requirements.
If you bought your ticket in a shop, retailers can typically pay lower prizes at the till, usually up to around £500, although limits can vary. For amounts above a retailer’s limit, you may be directed to a post office or given instructions to claim through the National Lottery.
Always keep your ticket safe and check the deadline for claims. The claim period is generally 180 days from the draw date.
Common Misconceptions About The Bonus Ball
A few myths tend to crop up time and again:
One common misunderstanding is that matching the bonus ball with any main number will pay. It does not. In UK Lotto, the bonus ball only boosts lines that already have five main numbers.
Another myth is that the bonus ball is picked from all the balls. It is not. It is drawn from the remaining numbers after the six main numbers have been selected.
Finally, it is easy to assume every game treats its extra numbers the same way. They do not. Lotto, Thunderball and EuroMillions each apply their own prize rules. A quick check of the prize breakdown removes confusion and helps set the right expectations.
Understanding these points takes the mystery out of one main number plus the bonus ball. It feels close, but in most draws it is not a win, and knowing why makes checking tickets clearer and less frustrating.
**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.