Does 1 Number and Bonus Ball Win Anything on Lotto?

When the Lotto draw takes place, six main numbers are pulled out first, followed by one extra — the Bonus Ball. 

This is where many players may pause and wonder: “If I match one of the main numbers along with that Bonus Ball, do I win anything?” 

It’s a good question, and the answer isn’t always clear at first glance. In this blog, we’ll take you through exactly what that combination means, explain the Bonus Ball’s purpose and show where this extra number fits into the overall prize table. By the end, you’ll know exactly how it all works and where your ticket stands.

Do You Get Anything For 1 Number and Bonus Ball on Lotto?

In the Lotto, wins begin if you match two main numbers. That earns you a Free Lucky Dip, which is an entry into another draw. Matching just one main number and the Bonus Ball does not qualify as a win.

The Bonus Ball isn’t designed to reward players on its own. Its only role is to boost a specific prize tier: when a player matches five main numbers, the Bonus Ball can lift the potential payout to a much higher amount.

So, if your ticket shows one main number and the Bonus Ball, it won’t fall into any prize category. Only main numbers alone, or main numbers alongside the Bonus Ball when you already have five correct, count towards a win.

How Does Lotto Bonus Ball Work?

Each draw starts with six main numbers being drawn from a pool of 59. After that, one more ball is chosen from the remaining numbers. That extra ball is the Bonus Ball.

You don’t pick it yourself. It’s automatically drawn and has a very limited role: it only comes into play if you have matched exactly five main numbers.

For example, if you matched five main numbers, the Bonus Ball has the potential to push your prize up to a much larger fixed amount than if you had only those five numbers. If you matched fewer than five or all six, the Bonus Ball doesn’t affect the outcome at all.

How Many Lotto Bonus Balls Are There?

There is only one Bonus Ball in every Lotto draw. It is drawn after the six main numbers and cannot be the same as any of those already chosen. This makes it unique each time.

Its role is very specific. It doesn’t create extra prize categories across the board. Instead, it exists solely to enhance the potential prize for players who have already matched five main numbers.

Minimum Numbers To Win Lotto

The smallest win in Lotto comes from matching two main numbers, which gives you a Free Lucky Dip entry for a future draw. Anything below that, including one main number plus the Bonus Ball, does not count as a win.

Cash prizes start at three main numbers, and they rise as more numbers are matched. The very top prize is the jackpot, which is won by matching all six main numbers. The jackpot amount changes depending on the draw and whether it has rolled over.

Lotto Prize Breakdown

Here’s the full set of the Lotto prize tiers as confirmed by the National Lottery:

• 6 Main numbers – Jackpot *
• 5 Main numbers + Bonus Ball (BB) – £1,000,000
• 5 Main numbers – £1,750
• 4 Main numbers – £140
• 3 Main numbers – £30
• 2 Main numbers – Free Lucky Dip

The jackpot amount can vary depending on the draw and rollovers.

Is The Lotto Worth It?

Whether the Lotto feels worth playing depends on your perspective. Some may enjoy it as entertainment, others might value that part of the ticket sales goes towards good causes in the UK.

It’s important to remember that the Lotto is a game of chance. Each draw is random, and there’s no way to predict or influence the outcome.

If you do win, the way you claim depends on how much you’ve won and whether your ticket was bought online or in a shop. For online play, the process is relatively straightforward:

• Wins up to £500 are paid straight into your National Lottery account.
   
• Wins between £500.01 and £30,000 require you to confirm the payment card linked to your account.
   
• Wins between £30,000.01 and £50,000 must be claimed by calling the National Lottery, and are usually paid by cheque.
   
• Wins above £50,000 must be claimed in person. The National Lottery will help set up an appointment for this.

For physical tickets, the process differs slightly and it’s important to check the official National Lottery guidance.

Since Lotto outcomes are random, there isn’t a system or approach that guarantees a win. The most sensible way to view the Lotto is as a form of entertainment, and it’s best to only spend what you’re comfortable with. 

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*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.