The Thunderball is one of the UK’s longest-running lottery games, but many people are unsure how it actually works.
This guide walks you through the process — from choosing your numbers, to how prizes are awarded. You’ll learn what makes the Thunderball distinct from other lottery draws, how much you could win, and the key rules that apply in the UK.
Understanding these basics may help you make more informed decisions before taking part, especially if you’re new to lotteries or simply curious about how they operate.
What Is the Thunderball Lottery?
The Thunderball is a draw-based lottery game operated under the UK National Lottery. Each entry involves selecting five main numbers from 1 to 39 and one Thunderball number from 1 to 14. Two separate sets of numbered balls are used — one for the main numbers and another for the Thunderball — ensuring independent draws.
The game offers nine fixed prize tiers, ranging from £3 for matching just the Thunderball, to a £500,000 top prize for matching all five main numbers plus the Thunderball. The top prize remains fixed, meaning every winner in that tier receives the full amount.
Thunderball draws take place four times a week — on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays — and each entry costs £1 per line. Players must be aged 18 or over and reside in the UK or Isle of Man to participate.
How Do You Play Thunderball?
You can play the Thunderball in-store through authorised National Lottery retailers or online via official platforms. To enter, you choose:
- How many lines you wish to play
- Your five main numbers (1–39) and one Thunderball number (1–14)
- Which draws you want to enter — you can select up to four weeks in advance
If you don’t want to choose your own numbers, you can use a Lucky Dip, which generates a random selection for you. Each line is treated as a separate entry and costs £1.
Tickets must be purchased before 7:30 pm on draw days, as sales close before each draw begins. Once entered, your numbers are locked in for that draw, and you can check the results on the National Lottery website, app, or at retailers.
Thunderball Rules and Number Selection
Each Thunderball entry follows the same structure: five main numbers are drawn from a pool of 1–39, and a single Thunderball is drawn from a separate pool of 1–14.
Because the two sets of numbers are drawn independently, it’s possible for the same number to appear as both a main number and the Thunderball. The draw uses certified mechanical machines and numbered balls to ensure random results.
Every line has an equal chance of winning, and no system or pattern can predict future outcomes. Lottery games such as the Thunderball are designed to be games of chance, meaning results are entirely random. If you choose to play, it may be sensible to set a personal budget and only spend what you’re comfortable losing.
How Much Does a Thunderball Ticket Cost?
Each Thunderball line costs £1. You can play a single line or multiple lines in one draw — each additional line costs another £1.
For example, if you choose to play three lines in a Friday and Saturday draw, that would cost £6 in total (£3 per draw). Online players can pre-pay for several draws in advance, while in-store players receive a printed ticket showing their selections and draw dates.
Keep physical tickets safe, as you’ll need them to claim any prize if you win.
When Are Thunderball Draws Held?
Thunderball draws take place four times weekly, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, usually around 8 pm.
Ticket sales close at 7:30 pm on draw days, and results are published shortly afterwards on the official National Lottery website and app. Some retailers may also display winning numbers in-store.
Draws are conducted using two separate machines — one for the main numbers and one for the Thunderball — ensuring independent and verifiable outcomes for each.
What Are the Thunderball Prize Tiers?
There are nine fixed prize tiers in the Thunderball. Prizes range from small potential returns, to substantial fixed sums, depending on how many numbers you successfully match:
- 5 main numbers + Thunderball – £500,000
- 5 main numbers – £5,000
- 4 main numbers + Thunderball – £250
- 4 main numbers – £100
- 3 main numbers + Thunderball – £20
- 3 main numbers – £10
- 2 main numbers + Thunderball – £10
- 1 main number + Thunderball – £5
- Thunderball only – £3
Each prize tier is fixed, meaning the amount you receive doesn’t depend on how many others win in the same tier. All prizes are funded from ticket sales, with a set proportion of revenue allocated to prizes and to charitable causes.
Remember, lotteries are games of chance and winnings cannot be guaranteed.
What Are the Odds of Winning Thunderball?
Every Thunderball line has the same probability of winning, regardless of when or where you play. The odds for each tier are:
- 5 main numbers + Thunderball – 1 in 8,060,598
- 5 main numbers – 1 in 620,046
- 4 main numbers + Thunderball – 1 in 47,416
- 4 main numbers – 1 in 3,648
- 3 main numbers + Thunderball – 1 in 1,437
- 3 main numbers – 1 in 111
- 2 main numbers + Thunderball – 1 in 135
- 1 main number + Thunderball – 1 in 35
- Thunderball only – 1 in 29
These figures are set by the National Lottery and remain consistent. Because the Thunderball is a game of chance, there’s no strategy or pattern that can influence the outcome or guarantee a win.
How Do You Claim Thunderball Winnings?
The process for claiming depends on how and where you bought your ticket.
- Online or via the app: Prizes up to £500 are paid directly into your online account. Larger prizes may require bank verification or a claim appointment.
- In-store tickets:
- Prizes up to £500 can usually be paid at authorised retailers.
- Prizes over £500 and up to £50,000 can no longer be claimed at Post Offices. If you bought your ticket from a National Lottery retailer, you must start your claim online and have your original ticket ready.
- Prizes over £50,000 are claimed by appointment directly with the National Lottery.
All claims must be made within 180 days of the draw date. Lost or damaged tickets can sometimes be reviewed by the National Lottery if reported promptly.
Is Thunderball Regulated in the UK?
Yes. The Thunderball is part of the UK National Lottery, which is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This regulation ensures that draws are conducted fairly, machines are tested, and prize payments are handled securely.
Funds from ticket sales are divided between prizes, operating costs, and contributions to public and charitable causes across the UK. Both online operators and retail outlets must follow strict standards for integrity, player protection, and data security.
Lotteries such as the Thunderball are games of chance — no skill or strategy can influence the results. If you decide to play, treat it as a form of entertainment and set personal spending limits that you’re comfortable with.
*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.