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How UK Lotto Works: Rules, Odds, and Prize Breakdown

National Lottery UK Lotto explained: 6 numbers from 1–59, bonus ball, and the two draws per evening introduced in June 2026. Rules, tiers and prizes.

Published on 2026-03-08·Updated on 2026-09-133 min read
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Overview

National Lottery UK Lotto uses 6 main numbers from 1 to 59, plus 1 bonus ball from the same pool. You pick 6 numbers (or use Lucky Dip for random) and win by matching the main numbers and, for some tiers, the bonus ball.

Important

Each draw is random. Past results do not influence future draws. Fetix does not sell tickets or pay prizes.

Basic format

UK Lotto uses:

  • 6 main numbers from 1 to 59 (no repeats)
  • 1 bonus ball from the same 1–59 pool, drawn after the 6 main numbers

You pick 6 numbers (or use Lucky Dip for random). You win by matching the main numbers and, for some tiers, the bonus ball.

Draw process — two rounds since June 2026

Draw evenings are still Wednesday and Saturday, around 8 pm UK time, but since 10 June 2026 each evening holds two separate draws: Round 1 and Round 2. Two different machines produce two independent sets of 6 main numbers plus a bonus ball. Balls are drawn randomly without replacement, and the same number can come out in both rounds by chance.

Your single line is checked against both rounds. It can win in Round 1, in Round 2, or in both.

The process is supervised and audited. Both sets of results are published together, soon after the draws.

Full explanation of the format: New Lotto rules 2026.

Prize tiers

Applies to each round — the same line is eligible in both.

Match Prize tier
6 main Jackpot (one pot for the evening, shared across both rounds)
5 main + bonus 2nd tier (£1M)
5 main 3rd tier (~£1,000)
4 main 4th tier (~£50)
3 main 5th tier (£10)
2 main 6th tier (£1)

The lower tiers were reduced on 10 June 2026 to fund the second draw: Match 3 went from £30 to £10, and Match 2 from a free Lucky Dip to £1 in cash.

Exact payouts depend on the draw. Check UK Lotto draws for recent amounts, round by round.

Ticket cost and options

A standard line costs around £2 — unchanged by the two-round format, and it covers both rounds. Players can add more lines, play multiple draws, or use Lucky Dip for random numbers. Syndicates allow groups to share the cost and any winnings.

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FAQ

What is the bonus ball for?
Can I pick the same number twice?
How many draws per week?
Do I pay twice to play both rounds?
Where can I see the full rules?
Does Fetix sell tickets?

Disclaimer

UK Lotto is a game of chance. Fetix does not sell tickets or guarantee winnings. Always check official sources for current rules.

Sources