How Does The Bonus Ball Work In Lotto?
If you’ve ever played the Lotto or looked at a results slip, you might have noticed something called the Bonus Ball. But what exactly is it, and how does it affect your chances?
In this 666Casino blog post, we’ll explain what the Bonus Ball is, how it fits into a typical Lotto draw, and what role it plays in determining certain prizes. Whether you’re new to the game or just want to understand your ticket a little better, this guide will walk you through the basics.
Read on to learn more.
Lotto Bonus Ball Explained
The Bonus Ball in the Lotto is drawn straight after the six main numbers. You don’t choose this number when buying your ticket—instead, it’s randomly selected from the remaining balls once the main draw is complete.
The Bonus Ball only comes into play if you match five of the main numbers. In that case, if the Bonus Ball also appears on your ticket, you could win a larger prize in the Match 5 + Bonus Ball category.
It’s important to note that the Bonus Ball doesn’t affect the jackpot. To win the jackpot, you still need to match all six main numbers—regardless of the Bonus Ball.
Do You Win Anything For Just The Bonus Ball?
If you’re wondering whether matching only the Bonus Ball results in a win, the answer is no. On its own, the Bonus Ball doesn’t offer a prize.
To benefit from it, you’d need to first match five of the main numbers. If you then also match the Bonus Ball, your prize moves up to the Match 5 + Bonus Ball tier. This rule is part of how the Lotto structure works, and it’s important to keep in mind if you’re checking your results.
Does The Bonus Ball Count as a Number?
Some players wonder whether the Bonus Ball is part of the numbers they select. As mentioned earlier, the Bonus Ball is drawn separately after the six main numbers and isn’t something players choose when completing their ticket.
Although it can’t be selected, the Bonus Ball still plays a role in certain prize tiers—particularly if a player matches five main numbers. However, when it comes to the jackpot, only the six main numbers count, and the Bonus Ball has no effect on that top prize.
Most Common Bonus Ball Numbers
If you’re interested in number trends, you might want to know which balls have appeared most often as the Bonus Ball. According to Lotto data spanning from August 2024 to July 2025, the most frequently drawn Bonus Balls during this period were numbers 2, 17, 18, and 56, each appearing five times. Following closely behind, numbers 28 and 44 were each drawn as the Bonus Ball four times.
Of course, each Lotto draw is completely random, so even if a number has appeared frequently in the past, that doesn’t make it more likely to appear in future draws.
Still, looking into patterns like these can be an interesting way to explore how the Lotto works. If you choose to play, understanding how each part of the draw works can give you a clearer sense of how your ticket fits into the game.
*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.
**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.
