TL;DR
National Lottery Lotto draws are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Players pick six numbers from 1 to 59 plus a Bonus Ball drawn separately. Jackpots roll over five times before a forced winner draw. Prizes can be claimed within 180 days.
National Lottery Lotto draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday, with players picking six numbers from 1 to 59 and a Bonus Ball drawn separately. Jackpots roll over up to five times before a forced winner draw is triggered, and prizes can be claimed within 180 days of the draw.
How a Lotto ticket works
Each Lotto line costs £2. Players pick six numbers from 1 to 59 or use a Lucky Dip for random selection. Tickets can be bought in shops, online at national-lottery.co.uk or through the National Lottery app.
Six main numbers are drawn from 59 balls, followed by a Bonus Ball used in the second-tier prize. Players who match five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball win the second-tier prize.
Prize structure
Matching six main numbers wins the Lotto jackpot. The minimum jackpot is £2 million, rising on each rollover until it is won or capped, with a Must Be Won draw triggered when the jackpot cap is reached.
Lower-tier prizes apply for matching fewer numbers, with five plus Bonus, five, four, three or two matches each carrying a set or pari-mutuel prize. Matching two numbers wins a free Lucky Dip ticket for the next draw.
Where to check results
Results are published at national-lottery.co.uk and through the app within minutes of the draw. The BBC and ITV both publish results, with the draw broadcast live on national-lottery.co.uk's video stream.
Players can scan their ticket through the National Lottery app, which checks all current games against the ticket and confirms any prize. Retailers can also check tickets up to the 180-day claim deadline.
Claiming a prize
Prizes up to £500 can be claimed in any National Lottery retailer. Prizes between £500.01 and £50,000 are claimed by post or through the player's online account. Prizes over £50,000 require an appointment with Allwyn, the operator.
The deadline is 180 days from the draw date. Unclaimed prizes go to good causes funded through the National Lottery Distribution Fund administered by gov.uk.
Key facts
- Draws Wednesday and Saturday.
- Each line costs £2.
- Minimum jackpot £2 million.
- Five rollovers before forced winner draw.
- 180 days to claim a prize.
FAQ
When are Lotto draws held?
Every Wednesday and Saturday evening. Results are published within minutes of the draw on national-lottery.co.uk and through the National Lottery app.
How much is a Lotto ticket?
£2 per line. Players pick six numbers from 1 to 59 or use a Lucky Dip for random selection. Tickets can be bought in shops, online or through the app.
How long do I have to claim a prize?
180 days from the draw date. Prizes up to £500 can be claimed at any National Lottery retailer. Higher prizes require post, online or in-person claims through Allwyn.
Where do unclaimed prizes go?
To good causes funded through the National Lottery Distribution Fund administered by gov.uk. The fund supports arts, sport, heritage and community projects across the UK.
