Buying a ticket is simple. Deciding which game might offer better chances is where things get a bit more complex. With popular draws like Lotto, EuroMillions, Thunderball, and Set For Life available, each has its own way of structuring prizes and chances of winning. Understanding these differences makes it easier to choose the game that feels right for you.
This blog post will introduce what those chances mean, compare the main UK games, and give you a clearer picture of which draws might suit what you want from a ticket.
Read on to learn more.
What Do Lottery Odds Actually Mean?
Odds in a lottery describe how likely it is to come away with a prize in a given draw. Usually, they’re shown as a ratio—for example, 1 in 45,057,474. This means there’s one winning combination out of over forty-five million possibilities, so a bigger number here means a less frequent outcome.
Each prize tier has its own ratio. It’s far less common to match all the numbers for a jackpot than it is to match some numbers for smaller winnings. Also, every draw happens independently. Buying more tickets can increase the number of combinations you have, but it doesn't necessarily bring you closer to a win in any guaranteed way.
With those basics in mind, let’s look at how some of the main UK lotteries compare.
Which Lottery Has the Best Odds in the UK?
If you consider only the chance of winning the top prize, the big UK games differ quite a lot. Thunderball offers more frequent wins with smaller amounts, while EuroMillions promises larger prizes but less frequent payouts.
Thunderball has top prize odds around 1 in 8 million and is designed so smaller wins happen more often. Lotto has jackpots that can reach tens of millions, but with odds that are much longer. Set For Life sits somewhere between these extremes, with its own unique prize format.
If you’re aiming to get a prize of any kind rather than focusing solely on the biggest jackpot, Thunderball might appeal more. But if chasing the headline-grabbing sum, EuroMillions leads on prize size, though with a lower chance per line.
A common comparison is between Lotto and EuroMillions. How do they really stack up beyond their jackpot sizes?
How Do UK Lotto Odds Compare With EuroMillions?
Lotto asks players to match six numbers, with odds of landing its top prize at roughly 1 in 45 million. EuroMillions requires matching five numbers plus two Lucky Stars, making its top prize even harder to hit—odds near 1 in 140 million. So, the EuroMillions jackpot is far more difficult to come by.
However, EuroMillions usually offers bigger jackpots and a wider range of prizes. Lotto, while having more approachable odds for the jackpot, tends to have better chances across several middle-tier prizes.
Both games feature multiple prize levels, so winnings aren’t all or nothing. The choice is between chasing a larger jackpot with tougher chances (EuroMillions) or playing for prizes that come up more often but tend to be smaller (Lotto). If neither suits your style, there’s Thunderball, designed to provide more frequent, smaller potential wins.
Thunderball: Is It the Best Lottery to Play for Smaller Wins?
Thunderball is popular with players who like the idea of winning modest amounts more regularly. You pick five numbers plus one Thunderball, and there are nine ways to win, including one for matching just the Thunderball. This gives plenty of opportunities for a ticket to return something.
Tickets cost £1 each, and draws happen four times a week, making it relatively affordable with several chances weekly. Its top prize is capped at £500,000, so it doesn’t compete with the biggest jackpots but is set up to provide a steadier flow of winnings.
For players who prefer the chance of steadier returns rather than one big payout, Set For Life offers an alternative.
Set For Life: What Are Your Chances of Winning?
Set For Life stands out because its top prize pays £10,000 every month for 30 years, rather than a lump sum. If ongoing payments appeal, this game offers that kind of prize structure. It uses five main numbers plus one Life Ball from separate pools.
The odds of matching all five numbers plus the Life Ball in Set For Life are about 1 in 15 million—making it harder than Thunderball but easier than Lotto to win the top prize. It also offers other prize tiers, such as matching five main numbers without the Life Ball for a fixed prize, and smaller prizes in lower tiers.
If monthly payments appeal more than a lump sum, Set For Life provides a clear option.
Which Lottery Offers the Best Overall Value?
Value isn’t just about the headline prize. It’s about balancing ticket cost, chances of winning, and how prizes are distributed.
Thunderball costs £1 per line, with relatively better chances of any prize, though the biggest prize is capped. Lotto costs £2, with longer odds for the jackpot but potentially bigger prizes and multiple prize levels.
EuroMillions costs £2.50 per line and leads on the largest jackpots, sometimes tens of millions, but comes with the toughest odds. Set For Life sits in the middle in terms of odds and cost, with its unique prize paid out over time.
What’s best depends on what matters most to you—frequent smaller wins, a big jackpot, or steady monthly payments. Once your priority is clear, the right choice tends to follow.
Tips for Choosing the Best Lottery to Play Responsibly
Choosing a lottery is about matching your preferences to the game’s design. Consider the jackpot size, chances of winning, and ticket price.
If you prefer regular returns, games like Thunderball with better chances for any prize might suit you better than those built around rare big jackpots like EuroMillions.
Look at prize structures before buying tickets—how many numbers are needed per tier, how many tiers exist, and what typical payouts look like. This sets realistic expectations.
Keep your playing manageable—decide what you’re comfortable spending and stick to it. If playing feels overwhelming, support is available from organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.
This blog post focuses on clear odds and practical comparisons so you can find the lottery that fits you best. Whatever you choose, enjoy it responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot 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.