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What Does the Bonus Ball Mean in Lottery?

Lotteries offer big jackpot prizes, and some games increase the winning odds by including a bonus ball. It’s an exciting feature, but frequently misunderstood by beginners. We prepared an overview of how a lottery bonus ball works. Without a doubt, you are probably interested in getting an extra chance to secure a win on your lottery ticket. So, let’s unpack the concept of the bonus ball!

Highlights:

  • The bonus ball offers an extra chance to win.
  • You cannot pick the bonus ball number.
  • The bonus ball can determine the prize tiers.

How Does a Bonus Ball Work in the Lottery?

The bonus ball is a staple feature of many retail and online lottery games, predominantly the ones played in Europe. Its purpose is to give you an extra opportunity to get a winning sequence of numbers on your lottery ticket.

The so-called bonus ball is not a special number. It can be any of the remaining numbers in the bowl after the initial six balls are drawn. Following the compilation of the main draw, a seventh number is drawn, which represents the bonus ball. If you have matched five out of the six winning numbers, the bonus ball gives you an extra chance to complete a winning combination. The order in which the numbers are drawn does not affect the outcome.

Here is one example of how a bonus ball works:

  • You select numbers 2, 5, 9,12,18, and 26 on your lotto ticket.
  • The drawn numbers are 2,5, 9,18 and 26.
  • It’s clear you matched five numbers, but 12 is missing.
  • If number 12 is drawn as the Bonus Ball, you can claim a ‘Match 5 + Bonus’ prize, otherwise, you receive a prize for the ‘Match 5’ tier.

Do I Need to Choose the Bonus Ball Number

Some players do not understand the concept and think the bonus ball is a backup number, which they can choose. However, you cannot select the bonus ball number. No such option is available, considering the idea is to give you an extra chance to land an already selected number on your ticket. When you purchase a ticket on lottery sites, your six numbers are used to determine the final prize.

However, the concept of a lottery bonus ball has many iterations. If you play EuroMillions, then you have encountered something similar with the Lucky Stars. In this lottery game, the same number can appear as the main number and a Lucky Star. But unlike in the UK lotto, you have to select two Lucky Stars and five other EuroMillions numbers.

Which Number Appears Frequently as a Bonus Ball?

A strategic approach to playing the lottery is a good idea. For most players, this means relying on statistics to select numbers drawn most often. Analytical data indicates that numbers 12, 38, and 48 have assumed the role of bonus ball most frequently, while 35 appeared the least.

It’s important to keep in mind that every number has been the bonus ball at some time. Despite statistical patterns, every number has an equal chance to be drawn in any lottery, that’s why it’s a game of chance.

What Is the Payout With a Bonus Ball?

Before you start celebrating, you should know that it’s not possible to win the full jackpot with the bonus ball. This feature is not a game-changer, but an opportunity to boost chances to potentially win the second-highest prize. Matching the bonus ball alongside the other five numbers will boost your payout.

You will need to consult the official payout chart published by the lottery operator before or after the draw. The prize pool can vary from week to week, and most lotteries divide the amount between all the winners. Generally, you cannot win by matching less than three numbers with a bonus ball.

FAQs

What Is a Lottery Bonus Ball?
The bonus ball is the seventh number drawn after the main six numbers are drawn. It can’t be the same number as any of the previously drawn numbers and it allows you to win a prize.
Is There a Bonus Ball in Every Lottery Game?
No, bonus balls are not part of every type of lottery game. However most European lotteries use a bonus ball.
Can I Select a Bonus Ball When Buying a Lottery Ticket?
It’s not possible to select a bonus ball number when buying an online lottery ticket or in a retail store. The function of a bonus ball is to give you an extra chance to land an already chosen number, so selecting the number in advance makes no sense.
Will Matching Less Than Six Numbers With a Bonus Ball Will Result in a Prize?
Yes, but it will depend on the lottery game. In some lotto games matching three or more numbers will generate a prize.

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