Thunderball Prizes: Do You Win Anything for 2 Numbers Matched?
Plenty of players wonder what happens if a Thunderball ticket shows only two numbers. Does it pay anything, or is that line a non-winner?
This guide walks through how the draw works, what counts as a win when two numbers are involved, the fixed £10 prize for two numbers plus the Thunderball, and the odds of landing it. You will also find clear details on claiming small prizes, whether you play online or in a shop.
All information here reflects current UK Thunderball rules. Always check the National Lottery site for the latest details, and only play within your means.
What Is The Thunderball Draw Format?
Thunderball is a UK lottery game where players pick five main numbers from 1 to 39 and one additional number called the Thunderball from 1 to 14.
In each draw, five main balls and one Thunderball are drawn. Prizes depend on the exact combination matched. You can choose your own numbers or use a random selection called a Lucky Dip. There are several prize tiers, including one for matching only the Thunderball.
With the basics in place, the key question is how two-number matches fit into those tiers.
What Happens If You Match Two Numbers?
Matching two main numbers on their own does not win a prize in Thunderball.
To win with two numbers involved, the Thunderball must be one of them. A ticket needs at least one main number plus the Thunderball to qualify for the lowest tiers, or three or more main numbers for higher ones.
If you match two main numbers and the Thunderball, that specific outcome is a winning line worth £10. The next section explains that prize in a little more detail.
Prize Amount For Matching Two Numbers
For Thunderball, the prize for matching two main numbers depends on whether the Thunderball is also matched.
If a ticket matches two main numbers and the Thunderball, it pays £10. This amount is fixed and does not change from draw to draw. If only two main numbers are matched without the Thunderball, there is no prize for that combination.
So how often does that two-plus-Thunderball result come up?
What Are The Odds Of Matching Two Numbers?
The odds of matching two main numbers and the Thunderball are 1 in 135 for each line entered. That probability is the same every draw and applies per individual line.
Two main numbers without the Thunderball are more common, but that outcome does not pay a prize under current rules.
If you do land a win, collecting it is straightforward.
How Prizes Are Paid And Claimed
The way Thunderball prizes are paid depends on how the ticket was bought and the amount won. Small wins are usually very simple to receive, while larger amounts may require extra verification.
Claiming Small Prizes Online And In-Store
For smaller wins such as the £10 prize for two main numbers plus the Thunderball, players who bought a ticket online normally receive the funds straight into their National Lottery account. From there, the balance can be withdrawn or used for later entries.
If the ticket was bought in a shop, small prizes can usually be claimed at the same store or at most other National Lottery retailers, provided the amount is within the retailer’s payout limit. Keep your ticket safe and check results via the official app, website, or a retailer ticket checker.
That leads to a common question: does the £10 ever change if lots of people win it at once?
Are Two-Number Wins Fixed Or Shared?
Wins for matching two main numbers plus the Thunderball are paid as fixed prizes. The £10 amount stays the same regardless of how many other tickets also hit that combination in the same draw.
This fixed approach applies across the lower prize tiers, so you are not sharing the amount with other winners and the payout does not depend on ticket sales.
With that cleared up, it helps to address a few persistent myths.
Common Myths About Two-Number Wins
A frequent misconception is that any two numbers are enough to win. They are not. Two main numbers on their own do not pay a prize. The Thunderball must be included for a two-number win to count.
Another misunderstanding is that the £10 for two main numbers plus the Thunderball can be reduced if many people win it. It does not change. The prize is fixed.
There is also confusion about the Thunderball on its own. Matching only the Thunderball does pay a small fixed prize, while two main numbers without the Thunderball does not pay anything.
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential help is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
In short, two main numbers alone do not win, but two main numbers plus the Thunderball pays a fixed £10, and claiming that amount is simple whether you play online or in-store.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.