Thinking about giving Thunderball a go but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many people in the UK are curious about how this National Lottery game works, especially if they’ve never played before.
With so many different lottery draws out there, it may feel a bit overwhelming sorting through all the rules, prizes, and draw times. Not to worry, this guide breaks it all down simply, so you can see what Thunderball is all about.
Here, you’ll find out how Thunderball works, when and where draws happen, and the key rules that keep the game fair.
What Is Thunderball and How Does It Work?
Thunderball is a lottery game run by The National Lottery in the UK, with operations licensed and regulated to protect players. It is straightforward to enter and uses a standard draw format.
If you play, you pick five main numbers from 1 to 39 and one extra number, called the Thunderball, from 1 to 14. Each draw then produces five main numbers plus one Thunderball.
Entries cost £1 per line. You can buy tickets in shops or online if you live in the UK and you’re at least 18 years old.
If you do decide to try your hand at the Thunderball, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Thunderball Rules Explained
To take part, choose five numbers from 1 to 39 and one Thunderball from 1 to 14, then buy your ticket before the draw. You can pick your own numbers or go for a Lucky Dip, which selects them at random.
Each play costs £1 and counts as one entry for the next draw you select. Only the numbers drawn in that specific draw are relevant to your ticket.
For every draw, a machine randomly picks the five main numbers and the Thunderball. Prizes depend on how many numbers you match and whether you matched the Thunderball. Thunderball uses fixed prizes, so the payout for a winning line is the same every time for that tier.
Thunderball draws typically take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. If you buy tickets online or in-store, it might be a good idea to ensure the details match what you intended before paying, as entries are final once confirmed.
How Much Do Thunderball Tickets Cost?
Each entry into the Thunderball draw costs £1. This price is the same whether you buy your ticket in a shop or play online through the National Lottery website or app.
You can add extra lines if you want to enter more sets of numbers, and you can choose to enter future draws in one go. Your total will simply be £1 for every line in every draw you select.
Your ticket or online confirmation serves as your proof of entry.
When Are the Thunderball Draws?
Thunderball draws take place four times a week in the UK, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Draws are usually held in the evening at around 8 pm. Ticket sales close at 7:30 pm on draw days, so entries must be bought before the cut-off.
Once the draw has taken place, you can check results on the National Lottery website, the mobile app, or at participating retailers. Results sometimes appear on TV and in newspapers too.
What Are the Thunderball Prize Tiers?
Thunderball prizes are set in tiers. The amount you win depends on how many of your numbers match the draw. Here are the prize tiers and typical fixed payouts per line:
- Match 5 numbers plus the Thunderball: £500,000
- Match 5 numbers: £5,000
- Match 4 numbers plus the Thunderball: £250
- Match 4 numbers: £100
- Match 3 numbers plus the Thunderball: £20
- Match 3 numbers: £10
- Match 2 numbers plus the Thunderball: £10
- Match 1 number plus the Thunderball: £5
- Match the Thunderball only: £3
Prizes are not split between winners, so the payout for each tier stays the same, no matter how many people land it.
Thunderball Odds and Chances of Winning
Each prize tier has its own odds. The top combination, matching five main numbers plus the Thunderball, has odds of 1 in 8,060,598 for a single line. This is the hardest outcome to hit.
At the other end, matching the Thunderball on its own has odds of 1 in 29, while matching one main number plus the Thunderball is 1 in 35. These lower tiers are more common than the top prize but still not guaranteed in any given draw.
Overall, the chance of winning any Thunderball prize is about 1 in 13 per line. Buying more lines gives you more entries, but the odds for each individual line remain the same. Each draw is independent, so previous results do not affect future outcomes.
How Do You Check Thunderball Results?
After each draw, results are published on the official National Lottery website and updated in the National Lottery app shortly afterwards.
If you bought your ticket in a shop, you can ask staff to scan it or compare the numbers on the in-store results sheet. Results are often shown on TV on draw nights and can appear in newspapers.
If you played online, you may receive an email about your result, and your account will show any winnings. It might be wise to keep your physical ticket or confirmation email safe until you have checked the outcome and claimed any prize.
What Happens If You Win Thunderball?
If you win a Thunderball prize, the claims process depends on how you entered. If you bought your ticket in a shop, keep it safe. Smaller prizes are usually paid at participating retailers, while larger prizes are handled through designated claim channels. You may be directed to a Post Office or asked to contact the National Lottery team to arrange payment.
If you played online, most prizes are paid directly into your account. For higher amounts, lottery staff will get in touch to confirm details and guide you through the process. Make sure your account information is up to date so payments are not delayed.
For significant wins, proof of identity and age might be required. There is a claim deadline, typically 180 days from the date of the draw, so do not leave it too long to follow up. The procedures are in place to protect you and ensure that prizes are paid securely and to the correct person. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.