Most Common Bonus Ball Number on National Lottery
Since it began in 1994, the UK National Lottery has become a regular part of life for many people across the country, with each draw offering players the chance to match the winning numbers.
Over time, some have started to wonder whether certain numbers, especially the Bonus Ball, appear more often than others. Is there something to it, or is it just our brains picking up patterns where none truly exist?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the data behind Bonus Ball appearances, explore the claims about specific numbers being drawn more frequently, and explain how these results fit into the broader picture of how the Lottery works.
How Many Bonus Ball Numbers Are There?
The Bonus Ball is a distinct part of the main Lotto game, and to understand why certain numbers might seem to appear more often, it helps to know how the draw works.
In each draw, six main numbers are selected from a pool of 1 to 59. After that, one additional number is drawn from the remaining pool—this is the Bonus Ball.
That means there are 59 possible numbers that could be drawn as the Bonus Ball. However, it only comes into play for players who match exactly five of the six main numbers, giving them the chance to win a larger prize.
Knowing this helps put things into context. With such a broad range of numbers in play, no single Bonus Ball is more likely to appear than any other over time.
What Is The Most Common Bonus Ball Number?
Over the years, some Bonus Ball numbers have appeared slightly more often than others in National Lottery draws.
For instance, numbers like 38 and 45 have been highlighted in various reports as turning up more frequently. But the difference is minimal, and comes down to random variation, not because any particular number is more likely to be chosen.
Every number has the same chance of being picked in each draw. Previous results don’t influence future outcomes, so while it might be interesting to see which numbers have shown up most often, it doesn’t give any real advantage when choosing numbers.
If you’re curious to see which numbers have appeared most often, you can find updated statistics on the official National Lottery website.
How Does The Bonus Ball Work?
Taking another look at how the Bonus Ball is drawn helps show its specific role in the Lotto. Once the six main numbers are selected from a pool of 1 to 59, one additional number is drawn from the remaining numbers—this becomes the Bonus Ball.
The Bonus Ball only matters for players who match exactly five of the main numbers. If that’s the case and the Bonus Ball is also on your ticket, the prize is significantly higher. However, if you’ve matched all six main numbers, the Bonus Ball doesn’t apply—you’ve already won the jackpot.
For those matching fewer than five main numbers, the Bonus Ball isn’t used, as it’s only relevant for players who come very close to the top prize.
Bonus Ball Raffles: Are They Legal?
Bonus Ball raffles—where each person picks a number from 1 to 59, and the prize goes to whoever matches the Bonus Ball—are often organised informally among friends, workmates, or in small community groups across the UK.
If you’re thinking of joining or running one, it’s worth knowing that these raffles are allowed under UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) guidelines, but only when certain conditions are met. For a Bonus Ball raffle to stay within the rules, the following must apply:
- The organiser doesn’t make a profit
- Only a closed group takes part (like friends or colleagues)
- It isn’t advertised publicly
- Everyone has an equal chance of winning
It’s also important that the numbers used are from the official Lotto range of 1 to 59. Even in a private setting, sticking to this helps keep things fair and consistent.
Understanding how Bonus Ball raffles work—and what makes them legal—means you can get involved with a clearer picture of what to expect.
If you choose to take part in the main Lottery or join a Bonus Ball raffle, it’s best to treat it as light entertainment and set clear boundaries from the start. Keep responsible play in mind, and avoid spending more than you’re comfortable with.
**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.
