Ever noticed the extra ball drawn in Lotto and wondered what it is for? The Bonus Ball appears at the end of every UK National Lottery Lotto draw, but its role can be unclear if you are new to the game.
If you are just starting to play, or you are interested in how it works, you may have questions about what the Bonus Ball does, how it is drawn, and when it affects your entry.
This guide explains the main points without any complicated jargon. Whether you take part online, buy a ticket in person, or simply follow the draws, here is how the Bonus Ball fits into Lotto.
What Is the Bonus Ball in the UK Lotto?
In the UK Lotto, six main numbers are drawn from a pool of balls numbered 1 to 59. Once those are drawn, an extra number called the Bonus Ball is taken from the 53 balls that remain.
If you buy a Lotto entry, you choose six numbers. You do not select the Bonus Ball. It is added to the draw separately and is only relevant for one prize tier. It does not form part of the jackpot.
Some other lottery-style games also use additional numbers. The names and rules can differ, so it might be worth checking the rules page for each game if you are playing outside the standard Lotto.
If you do decide to try your hand at lottery games, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Is the Bonus Ball Drawn?
The Bonus Ball is drawn from the same machine as the main numbers. All 59 balls go into the machine at the start of the draw. Six are drawn one by one as the main numbers. They are then set aside. The Bonus Ball is taken from the 53 balls that remain.
Each of the remaining balls has an equal chance of being drawn. If you watch the Lotto draw, you will see the Bonus Ball taken after the six main numbers. In online versions, the sequence might look different on screen, but the process still involves the extra number being drawn after the main six.
Which Prizes Use the Bonus Ball?
The Bonus Ball only applies to one prize category in Lotto.
If you match five of your chosen numbers to five of the six main numbers drawn, the Bonus Ball may come into play. If your sixth number matches the Bonus Ball, your entry qualifies for the “Match 5 + Bonus Ball” prize. The approximate odds of doing this on a single line are 1 in 7,509,579.
Matching fewer than five main numbers does not bring the Bonus Ball into effect. You cannot claim a prize using the Bonus Ball by itself.
Prize values are shown in the official Lotto prize table and can vary in some cases. On rare occasions, if the prize fund is not enough to cover the advertised amounts, the operator may apply a cap and adjust the values in line with the game rules.
Bonus Ball Rules Compared to Main Numbers
If you play Lotto, your six chosen numbers are your main numbers. These decide the jackpot and the majority of prize categories.
The Bonus Ball is separate. It does not count towards the jackpot. It only works with one tier. Its purpose is to create the Match 5 + Bonus Ball category for players who have already matched five main numbers.
The main numbers drive the results of most prizes. The Bonus Ball provides one additional outcome when five main matches are in place.
How Do You Win With the Bonus Ball?
To qualify for a Bonus Ball prize, your entry needs to match five of the six main Lotto numbers. If your remaining chosen number also matches the Bonus Ball, your entry falls into the “Match 5 + Bonus Ball” tier.
For example, suppose you select 3, 15, 22, 28, 42, and 49. The six main numbers drawn are 3, 15, 22, 28, 42, and 12. You have matched five main numbers. The Bonus Ball is 49, which matches your final chosen number. This qualifies as a Match 5 + Bonus Ball entry.
The payout for this category is set out in the Lotto prize table. The amounts are usually fixed but can be subject to adjustments if required under the operator’s rules.
Is the Bonus Ball the Same in Every Lotto Game?
The Bonus Ball is part of the Lotto draw, but other lottery games use different systems.
For example, EuroMillions includes two “Lucky Star” numbers. Thunderball has its own separate “Thunderball” draw. These work differently and affect their prize structures in other ways.
Some online games also add extra numbers, which may be drawn under different names. Each operator publishes its rules, odds, and prize tables, and these outline how any additional numbers are used. Licensed UK operators are required by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to make this information available so that you can see the details before potentially taking part.
Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.