Does 1 Number and Bonus Ball Win Anything in UK Lotto Draws?
Many UK Lotto players wonder what different number combinations are actually worth, particularly when a ticket shows a partial match. One common question is whether matching just one main number along with the Bonus Ball results in any kind of prize. With several prize tiers and specific rules governing payouts, it can be unclear how these outcomes are treated.
This article explains how the UK Lotto works in relation to the Bonus Ball and lower-level matches. It covers what the Bonus Ball is, how prize tiers are defined, whether matching one number plus the Bonus Ball wins anything, and the odds associated with that result.
It also looks at how prize money is paid out, what to do if your ticket shows this combination, whether any special draws or promotions apply, and how to check your numbers and claim smaller prizes.
Read on to learn more.
What Is The Bonus Ball In UK Lotto?
The Bonus Ball is an extra number drawn after the six main numbers in each Lotto draw. It is taken from the same pool, so it can only be one of the numbers that was not already drawn as a main number.
Its job is simple. It only comes into play for one prize tier: Match 5 + Bonus. If a ticket matches five of the six main numbers and also the Bonus Ball, it moves up from the Match 5 prize to the Match 5 + Bonus prize. For all other outcomes, the Bonus Ball does not change anything. For example, 3 main numbers plus the Bonus Ball is still a Match 3 win.
With that in mind, it becomes much easier to judge what different number combinations are worth.
Does 1 Number And The Bonus Ball Win Anything?
No. Matching exactly one main number and the Bonus Ball does not win a prize on Lotto. The prize tiers start at Match 2, which is a free Lucky Dip for a future Lotto draw. Because the Bonus Ball only upgrades a Match 5 to Match 5 + Bonus, it has no effect if you have fewer than five main numbers.
If you are seeing 1 + Bonus on your ticket, treat it as a near miss rather than a prize. It is still worth checking the rest of your numbers carefully to make sure you have not overlooked a second main match.
How Are Lotto Prize Tiers Defined
Lotto prizes are based on how many of the six main numbers on your ticket match the six main numbers drawn. The Bonus Ball sits to one side of this structure and only matters if you already have five main matches.
This means every winning outcome is determined by main-number matches first. The tiers are Match 2, Match 3, Match 4, Match 5, Match 5 + Bonus, and Match 6. The Bonus Ball does not create extra tiers such as 4 + Bonus or 3 + Bonus.
Knowing this framework helps avoid confusion later, especially when you see the Bonus Ball on your ticket.
What Are The Odds Of Matching 1 Number Plus The Bonus Ball?
There is no prize for 1 + Bonus, so the National Lottery does not publish an official odds line for it. If you are simply curious, the chance of a ticket showing exactly one main number plus the Bonus Ball is roughly 1 in 28. It is a relatively common pattern to see, but it does not pay anything.
If you want to focus on outcomes that do pay, look at the published odds for the prize tiers instead, starting with Match 2 and above.
How Prize Money Is Paid Out For Different Match Levels
Lotto combines fixed prizes with a variable jackpot. The current prize amounts for standard draws are:
- Match 2: Free Lucky Dip for a future Lotto draw
- Match 3: £30
- Match 4: £140
- Match 5: £1,750
- Match 5 + Bonus: £1,000,000
- Match 6: Jackpot, which varies by draw and rollovers
In Must Be Won draws where no one matches all six numbers, the jackpot is shared across the prize tiers that already pay cash. In those rolldown cases, Match 2 winners receive £5 in addition to the free Lucky Dip, and every other cash tier gets a boost. Even then, 1 + Bonus is not introduced as a prize tier.
Payment itself depends on how you play. Prizes from online play up to £500 are usually credited to your account automatically. Larger online wins are paid by bank transfer after some quick checks. For retail tickets, small wins can normally be paid in store in cash, with higher amounts handled at designated Post Offices or through a claims process. Exact limits and options can vary, so it is worth checking the current National Lottery guidance before heading out.
What Should You Do If Your Ticket Shows 1 + Bonus Ball?
Start by checking the whole line again, ideally with the official app or retailer terminal, to confirm you only have one main match. It is easy to misread a grid and miss a second match, especially on busy result lines.
If it is definitely 1 + Bonus, there is no prize to claim. If you do find you have at least two main numbers, keep the ticket safe and claim in line with the usual time limits. In the UK, Lotto prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date, so do not leave it too long.
Next time, remembering that only main-number matches create wins makes it much clearer what to expect when you see the Bonus Ball on your line.
Are There Any Draws Or Promotions That Pay Out For 1 + Bonus Ball?
No. Lotto does not award a prize for 1 + Bonus in standard draws or in Must Be Won rolldowns. Other National Lottery games, such as Thunderball or HotPicks, use different formats and do not have a Bonus Ball in the same sense, so there is no equivalent prize there either.
If you come across claims that 1 + Bonus pays, treat them as a misunderstanding of how the tiers work.
How To Check Your Numbers And Claim Small Prizes
The most reliable way to verify a result is to use the official National Lottery app or website, which compares your ticket to the draw and shows the outcome clearly. A retailer can also scan a physical ticket and print a slip showing whether it has won.
For smaller wins, prizes are usually straightforward to collect. Online wins up to £500 are credited to your account and can be withdrawn to your bank. Retail wins up to £100 are typically paid in cash at the counter, and many stores can pay up to £500 if they have the funds. Larger amounts move to Post Office or claims-centre processes, where identification and a short validation check may be needed.
However you play, always keep your ticket or confirmation email safe until you have checked the result and completed any claim. That way, if your ticket shows a qualifying win, you can collect it without delay.
*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.
