Lotto Bonus Ball Guide: Understanding How It Works
If you have ever played or watched a Lotto draw, you may have noticed the mention of a bonus ball. For many, its role is not immediately obvious, yet it can make a real difference to how certain prizes are awarded.
This blog post explains what the bonus ball is, how it is chosen, and how it affects winnings. It also clears up common questions, like whether a ticket with only the bonus ball can win.
Read on to learn more.
What Is the Bonus Ball in Lotto?
The bonus ball is an extra number drawn after the six main numbers in a standard Lotto draw. It comes from the same pool as the main numbers, but it is not one of the six already selected.
Its purpose is simple. For some prize tiers, the bonus ball gives qualifying tickets an additional way to potentially improve their return. It does not change the jackpot and it does not help to win it. Only tickets that have already matched a specific amount of the main numbers can benefit from it.
Think of it as a supporting element. The main six numbers set the foundations of every prize, while the bonus ball affects a particular tier that sits just below the jackpot. So how does that play out on an actual ticket?
How Does the Bonus Ball Work in Lotto?
After the six main numbers are drawn, the machine selects one more number from the remaining balls. That becomes the bonus ball for that draw. It cannot be a duplicate of any of the six already pulled.
The key point is eligibility. The bonus ball only comes into effect for tickets that match five of the six main numbers. If a ticket has those five and also shows the bonus ball, it moves into a higher prize tier than a ticket with five main numbers alone. Matching the bonus ball without at least five main numbers is not a winning outcome.
Here is a simple example to bring it to life. Imagine the main numbers are 3, 12, 18, 27, 34 and 45, and the bonus ball is 9. A ticket showing 3, 12, 18, 27 and 34 would count as five main numbers. If that same ticket also has 9, it qualifies for the five-plus-bonus-ball prize tier. If it does not have 9, it sits in the five-mains-only tier. A ticket that only shows 9, or shows 9 with fewer than five of the main numbers, does not qualify.
When Is the Bonus Ball Drawn?
The bonus ball is drawn in the same event as the six main numbers. All balls start in one machine and are mixed together. Once the six main numbers are out, one additional ball is taken from the remainder. That is the bonus ball.
This order matters because it explains why the bonus ball cannot replace a main number and why it is only ever one of the numbers left over. The draw sequence is shown clearly during the official results, so anyone following along can see the point at which the bonus ball is selected.
With the draw mechanics clear, it helps to separate what the bonus ball can influence from the top prize most people think about first.
Difference Between the Bonus Ball and the Jackpot
The jackpot is won only by matching all six main numbers. The bonus ball does not contribute to that outcome and cannot be used to convert five matches into a jackpot.
Instead, the bonus ball affects the prize tier directly beneath the jackpot. It enhances the return for tickets that already have five main numbers by recognising an additional match from the remaining pool, boosting the return from £1,750 to £1,000,000. If a ticket has fewer than five main numbers, the bonus ball has no effect on it.
In other words, the jackpot sits apart as a six-match result. The bonus ball never changes that rule; it simply shapes the prize for the strongest non-jackpot match.
Can You Win Lotto With Just the Bonus Ball?
No, matching only the bonus ball will not result in a prize. The bonus ball is not a prize category on its own and only becomes relevant if your ticket already matches five of the six main numbers.
Understanding how the bonus ball works can help you set realistic expectations. All prizes are based on the six main numbers, and the bonus ball only enhances one specific prize tier rather than offering a reward on its own.
If you choose to take part, it’s worth planning how much you’d like to spend ahead of time and making sure it fits comfortably within your usual budget. Lotto is designed to be a form of entertainment, and keeping it enjoyable means playing in a way that suits your personal circumstances. If it ever starts to feel like more than just a game, there are organisations that can offer advice and support.
**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.