The UK has a bi-weekly National Lottery draw that takes place every Saturday and Wednesday, where players have to choose six numbers between 1 and 59 to enter the draw. If your numbers match the ones drawn by the machine, you win. The more numbers matched, the higher the reward.
But how many numbers do you need to match to win? What happens if you only match 3 numbers? This Wizard Slots post explores the odds of winning 3 numbers in the National Lottery, what happens if you match three numbers and if the bonus ball counts with 3 numbers.
What Are The Odds of Getting 3 Numbers In The Lottery?
The odds of winning the jackpot in the National Lottery are very low, but it happens. You must match all five numbers, including the 6th bonus ball, to win the jackpot. The odds of that happening are very, very slim: 1 in 45,057,474, to be exact.
Fortunately, you do not have to match all six numbers to win a prize in the National Lottery. Matching just half of that (three numbers) counts as a win and awards you a fixed amount.
The odds of matching three numbers in the lottery are 1 in 97.
I Have 3 Numbers In The Lottery: What Happens?
Matching three numbers in the National Lottery awards £30. That is a fixed amount you need to claim within 180 days of the draw; otherwise, it will expire, and you will not be able to claim it anymore. If your win expires, you can't receive a refund for your ticket.
So if you match three numbers in the lottery, you can expect to receive £30. This amount remains the same regardless of how many people have won the lottery because it is a fixed amount, so even if you are the only player to win with three numbers, you will still receive £30.
You need to claim your win before the 180 days have passed (from the day of the draw).
If you have an online account with the National Lottery, you can make your claim online or go to the retail store where you bought your tickets to make your claim.
If you are going to a physical retailer, bring the winning ticket and proof of identification to confirm that you are the rightful owner of the ticket.
Does The Bonus Ball Count For 3 Numbers?
Unfortunately, no. The bonus ball does not count for three numbers. It only counts for matching five numbers. Therefore, if you match three numbers and the bonus ball, you will only receive a prize for the three numbers, not the bonus ball.
Last Word
The National Lottery is an incredibly popular form of gambling that offers impressive jackpot prizes. As a result, millions of players buy tickets every week in hopes of winning the jackpot.
However, the chances of winning the jackpot are slim, but you do not need to match all the numbers to win something. Even matching three numbers awards a prize.
Although you can't play the national lottery on our site, you can register with Wizard Slots and check out our selection of lottery-style games, such as Scratch Cards and other instant-win games available. Click the Join Now button to create an account.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.