What Happens If You Get 3 Numbers in Lottery: Odds & Prizes
Matching three numbers in the lottery is a common talking point, yet many players are unsure what it really means for odds and potential payouts.
Below, you’ll find a clear look at the chances of landing exactly three numbers, what the prize is, how the bonus ball fits in, and how prizes are set. It is designed to answer the most frequent questions in one place.
Read on to learn more.
What Are the Odds of Getting 3 Numbers in the Lottery?
In the National Lottery’s Lotto game, the chance of matching exactly three of the six main numbers on a single line is 1 in 97. Each line has the same probability, and each draw is independent.
Those odds explain why match‑3 wins appear regularly but not on most tickets. They also help set realistic expectations for the prize tiers that follow.
How Much Do You Win for 3 Numbers?
For Lotto, matching three main numbers pays a fixed £30 per winning line. It does not matter which numbers were matched, only that they are three of the six main numbers drawn.
There is generally no sharing at this level. If thousands of players match three numbers in the same draw, each receives £30 for every line that qualifies. Multiple winning lines on the same ticket are paid separately.
Do You Get Anything Extra for the Bonus Ball?
The bonus ball only affects certain prize tiers. It comes into play if five main numbers are matched; in that case, adding the bonus ball raises the prize to £1,000,000. Without the bonus ball, five main numbers pay less.
For three main numbers, the bonus ball has no role. Matching it alongside three main numbers does not change the £30 payout.
How Are Lottery Prizes Calculated for 3 Numbers?
The match‑3 prize in Lotto is usually a fixed amount. It is not linked to ticket sales, rollovers, or the number of other winners in the draw. If a line contains three of the six main numbers, £30 is paid. In rare special draws, such as jackpot rolldowns or “must‑be‑won” draws, the payout for match‑3 lines may be increased.
Fixed tiers like this sit alongside variable elements higher up the pay table, such as the jackpot, which might grow with rollovers. That mix keeps lower-tier outcomes simple while allowing larger prizes at the top.
What Are the Chances of Getting More Than 3 Numbers?
As the number of matches increases, the odds become much longer. For Lotto, the approximate chances per line are:
- 4 main numbers: 1 in 2,180
- 5 main numbers: 1 in 144,415
- 5 main numbers plus the bonus ball: 1 in 7,509,579
- All 6 main numbers (jackpot): 1 in 45,057,474
These figures show how rare the higher tiers are. Each draw is random and previous results do not influence future outcomes.
If you choose to participate in a lottery draw, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available from services such as GamCare and GambleAware.
Understanding the odds, prizes, and how the bonus ball works may better help you treat Lotto as occasional entertainment and recognise what a match‑3 win might deliver.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.