Which Are the Most Common Bonus Ball Numbers in UK Lotto?

Every Wednesday and Saturday, millions tune in to see which numbers are drawn in the UK National Lottery game, the Lotto. Alongside the six main numbers, one extra is selected as the Bonus Ball. It does not decide the jackpot, but it does matter for some prize tiers, which is why it draws so much attention.

This article looks at which Bonus Ball numbers have shown up most often over time, what the Bonus Ball actually does, and how the draw works. You will find clear explanations, up-to-date context, and straightforward guidance on what these stats can and cannot tell you.

If you have ever wondered whether some Bonus Ball numbers repeat more than others, or whether they affect jackpot odds, you are in the right place.

What Does the Bonus Ball Mean in the UK Lotto?

In Lotto, the Bonus Ball is a single extra number drawn from the same pool as the main numbers. The main draw selects six numbers from balls numbered 1 to 59. After those six are chosen, one more ball is drawn from the remaining numbers to become the Bonus Ball.

You do not select the Bonus Ball separately when buying a ticket. It is simply the next ball drawn after the six main numbers, and it only comes into play for certain non-jackpot prize tiers. A good example is the prize for matching five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball, which is higher than matching five main numbers alone.

Each draw is independent and uses a random process, so there is no reliable way to predict which number will be the Bonus Ball next time. With that in mind, how is it picked on the night?

How Is the Bonus Ball Chosen?

During each Lotto draw, balls numbered 1 to 59 are mixed in a mechanical drawing machine. Six balls are drawn first and become the main numbers. One further ball is then drawn from the balls that are left to determine the Bonus Ball.

The draw is conducted under scrutiny, with independent adjudicators present. The equipment and procedures are set up so that every remaining number has the same chance of being drawn as the Bonus Ball. Because each draw is a fresh event, previous results do not influence what happens next.

With the process clear, it is natural to ask whether some Bonus Ball numbers have cropped up more than others over time.

Most Common Bonus Ball Numbers in UK Lotto History

This section looks at which Bonus Ball numbers have appeared most frequently in Lotto draws. While some numbers can seem to show up more often across a given period, the draw is still random and independent, so these streaks do not point to a future trend.

How Often Do Bonus Balls Repeat?

One important detail is the number range. Lotto currently uses balls numbered 1 to 59, a format introduced in 2015. If you are comparing frequency over time, make sure you are looking at results from the 1 to 59 era, otherwise you will be mixing two different formats.

Looking at published results within the 1 to 59 period, some Bonus Ball numbers such as 38, 31, and 22 have at times appeared more than others. That is simply how random selection can look across hundreds of draws. With 59 possible outcomes, you would expect each number to be drawn as the Bonus Ball roughly once every 59 draws on average, but real results wander around that average. Some numbers will cluster, others will dip for a while, and then things tend to even out over longer stretches.

If you want to check the latest counts, the official results archive provides a full history you can filter by date range and prize category. It is interesting to see how the figures move, but they should be read as a record of what has happened, not as a guide to what will happen next.

Do Bonus Ball Numbers Affect Jackpot Odds?

The jackpot is won by matching all six main numbers drawn in a single game. The Bonus Ball is drawn after those six numbers and is only relevant for certain secondary prize tiers, such as matching five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball.

Because the Bonus Ball is not part of the six-number match, it does not affect jackpot odds at all. The chance of winning the top prize remains 1 in 45,057,474, regardless of which Bonus Ball appears.

The takeaway is simple: the Bonus Ball can boost some non-jackpot prizes, but it has no bearing on the jackpot. If you choose to take part, set sensible limits and only spend what you can afford.

_{*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.}