Does 1 Number and Bonus Ball Win Anything in Lotto Draws?
Have you ever checked your National Lottery ticket and spotted just one matching number plus the bonus ball? It is a common moment of suspense, and it is not always obvious what it means.
You might be wondering whether that combination counts for anything, or how the bonus ball actually fits into the prize structure. Those details are easy to miss on a quick results check.
This blog post explains how Lotto prizes work, what one number plus the bonus ball really means, and how to check and claim properly, so you know exactly where you stand.
How Does The Bonus Ball Work In UK Lotto?
The bonus ball is part of the main Lotto game and sits alongside the six main numbers drawn from 1 to 59. After those six are picked, one extra ball is drawn from the remaining numbers. That extra ball is the bonus ball.
It does not help with the jackpot. To take the top prize, you must match all six main numbers. The bonus ball only matters when you have matched five main numbers on your ticket. In that specific case, matching the bonus ball moves you up to a higher prize tier than matching five main numbers alone.
Picture your line with five of the six main numbers drawn. If your remaining number also matches the bonus ball, that is the “Match 5 + Bonus” tier. For all other prize tiers, including two, three, or four main numbers, the bonus ball is not used at all.
So what happens if you only have one main number and the bonus ball?
Does 1 Number Plus Bonus Ball Count As A Win?
No. In Lotto, matching one main number and the bonus ball does not qualify for any prize. The smallest award is for matching two main numbers, which gives a free Lucky Dip entry.
The bonus ball is only considered when you already have five main numbers. If your ticket shows one main number plus the bonus ball, it does not appear on the prize chart and does not pay out.
What Prize Do You Get For 1 Number Plus The Bonus Ball?
There is no payout for that combination. A single main number, even if it sits alongside the bonus ball, is not a winning result.
The first tier that involves the bonus ball is “Match 5 + Bonus.” Below that, prizes are based only on how many main numbers you have matched. Two main numbers unlock a free Lucky Dip; three, four, and five main numbers pay set cash amounts without using the bonus ball.
How Prize Payouts Are Calculated For Bonus Ball Matches
Lotto’s prize table is fixed, and the bonus ball affects just one tier. The draw selects six main numbers and then one bonus ball from the remaining numbers. Prizes are awarded for matching two, three, four, five, or all six main numbers.
If you match exactly five main numbers, the bonus ball can lift your prize into a higher tier. That tier is “Match 5 + Bonus,” and as of 2024, it pays £1,000,000. Matching five main numbers without the bonus ball pays a lower, set amount of £1,750.
Other tiers, including four, three, and two main numbers, do not use the bonus ball. They have their own set payouts and do not change if the bonus ball also appears on your ticket.
With that in mind, you might wonder whether seeing one number and the bonus ball affects your chances next time. Here is the short answer.
Does Matching 1 Number And The Bonus Ball Affect Your Odds Of Higher Prizes?
It does not. The rules are clear that the bonus ball only counts when five main numbers are already matched. Each draw is independent, and your ticket either meets a prize tier or it does not. For higher-value tiers, you need the required number of main numbers first. Only then can the bonus ball move a “Match 5” result up to “Match 5 + Bonus.”
How To Check And Claim A Small Prize For A Bonus Ball Match
The way you check a ticket is the same for every prize tier, including the high-value “Match 5 + Bonus.” The National Lottery website and app have a results checker, and paper tickets can be scanned using the app.
To see whether you have a bonus ball prize, look for five main numbers on your line. If you have them, check whether your sixth number is the bonus ball. Only that combination qualifies for “Match 5 + Bonus.”
If you have won, the claim method depends on where and how you played. Retailers can usually pay smaller amounts in-store after validating the ticket. Online wins are typically credited to the account used to buy the ticket. Larger payouts may require additional steps, such as identity checks or a scheduled appointment with the operator.
It is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance and winning is never guaranteed. Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means, and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
**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.
