If you’ve ever picked up a Thunderball ticket in the UK and found yourself wondering what matching just two numbers might mean, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re completely new to lottery games, or just want to understand how the Thunderball works, this blog will walk you through what happens if your ticket shows two matching numbers.
We’ll look at how the Thunderball lottery is set up, what the possible prize levels are, and exactly what matching 2 numbers means for your potential payout. We’ll also explain how this lottery game works and where to find more information if you’re considering taking part.
Understanding the structure of the Thunderball is important, especially for beginners. This blog is designed to explain everything clearly using simple terms. Whether or not you’ve ever played a lottery before, this guide can help you make sense of how the Thunderball works in the UK.
What Is The Thunderball?
The Thunderball is a draw-based lottery game available across the UK. In this type of game, you choose numbers in advance, then wait for a live draw to see if the numbers you've picked match the ones selected randomly by the National Lottery.
To play Thunderball, you select:
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Five main numbers from 1 to 39
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One extra number called the Thunderball, from 1 to 14
This extra number—the Thunderball—is drawn separately from the main numbers. You don't need to pick it from the same pool of numbers as the main ones.
Thunderball draws take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can choose to play in just one draw, or enter multiple draws using the same numbers.
One of the features of this lottery game is that the potential prize amounts are fixed. That means if you win, your prize won't be shared or reduced depending on how many others may also win in the same draw. The top prize in Thunderball is £500,000, and it's not split between players.
Each line costs £1, and you must be at least 18 years old to play in the UK.
Do You Get Anything For 2 Numbers On The Thunderball?
If your ticket matches exactly 2 of the main numbers, but not the Thunderball, you do not win a prize.
However, if you match 2 main numbers and the Thunderball, then you win £10.
It’s a common misunderstanding, especially among new players, that any combination of two main numbers automatically results in a payout. But in the Thunderball, the Thunderball number is key to unlocking most of the lower-tier prizes.
The Thunderball is a random game of chance, which means every draw is unpredictable. There’s no pattern or system that can predict outcomes. Whether you win or not depends entirely on which numbers come up in that draw.
Thunderball Results Prize Breakdown
Understanding what you could potentially receive for different number combinations can help make sense of the game. The potential prizes for the Thunderball are not influenced by how many people take part, or how many winners there are in a draw.
Here’s a breakdown of the possible number matches and the prize for each:
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Match 5 main numbers and the Thunderball – £500,000
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Match 5 main numbers – £5,000
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Match 4 main numbers and the Thunderball – £250
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Match 4 main numbers – £100
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Match 3 main numbers and the Thunderball – £20
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Match 3 main numbers – £10
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Match 2 main numbers and the Thunderball – £10
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Match 1 main number and the Thunderball – £5
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Match only the Thunderball – £3
These fixed prizes mean you’ll always know what to expect if your numbers come up in one of these combinations. But it’s important to remember that playing the lottery doesn’t come with any guarantees. The odds of each prize vary, and the game is based entirely on random draws.
For example, the odds of winning the top prize—matching 5 main numbers and the Thunderball—are around 1 in 8,060,598. The chances of winning £10 for matching 2 main numbers and the Thunderball are roughly 1 in 135.
*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.