
The Health Lottery often garners attention for its simplicity and the variety of prizes it offers. For those exploring how it works, knowing what’s available, how it’s awarded, and what it means for you can take a moment to understand.
This blog post sets out each prize type clearly, from the main draw to bonus features that some tickets may qualify for. It also explains how winnings are received—online or in-store—and includes a straightforward breakdown of the odds at each prize level.
Read on to learn more.

The Health Lottery (currently branded as The Big Win) includes several prize tiers across its regular draws. Each entry gives players the opportunity to match numbers for different outcomes, some offering cash prizes and others providing free entries for future draws.
Matching all five main numbers results in the highest prize, while lower-tier matches return smaller, fixed amounts or a free ticket, depending on the number of matches. There is also a Bonus Ball drawn in each game, which influences some prize tiers.
In addition to the regular main draw, certain draws may include a Free Prize Draw, giving players another chance to win. These follow separate rules and are not guaranteed with every ticket.
To understand how these rewards are received, it helps to look at how winnings are distributed.
Potential payouts vary depending on how you purchased your ticket, if you chose to do so—whether online or in-store—and the size of your prize. Smaller winnings are typically credited automatically for online players or can be claimed directly at participating retailers for paper tickets. Larger prizes require contacting The Health Lottery to complete a formal claims process, which includes verifying your identity and providing payment details.
All prizes must be claimed within a set time frame from the draw date to remain valid.
The prize structure is based on how many main numbers (from 1 to 50) a player matches out of the five drawn, plus the potential use of the Bonus Ball:
The overall odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 9.7.
If more than one person matches five main numbers, the top prize is shared equally. If the total prize fund for any draw exceeds £1 million, the prizes may be adjusted proportionally.
Matching 2 main numbers or 1 main number plus the Bonus Ball earns a free ticket for a future draw. These are:
Certain draws may include a Free Prize Draw, such as those held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Entry into this draw is:
If more than one player wins the Free Prize Draw, the £100,000 is split equally among winners.
Each entry has a fixed probability of winning, based on the number of matches. As outlined earlier:
Each line is an independent chance, and previous results do not affect future outcomes. The draw is random and regulated under UK law.

In the UK, lottery winnings, including those from the Health Lottery, are not subject to income tax. Winners receive the full amount of any prize.
There is no need to declare winnings on your tax return. However, if winnings are deposited into a savings account, any interest earned may be taxable under normal income tax rules.
For specific personal tax questions, it’s best to consult HMRC or a qualified adviser.
If you’ve won a prize, how you claim it depends on how your ticket was purchased:
Make sure to keep your ticket in good condition—it will be needed to verify your win. All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date.
If you win a prize on the Health Lottery, what happens next usually depends on how you bought your ticket.
For online entries, you’d generally receive an email if you’ve won, and smaller prizes are often credited to your account automatically, as mentioned earlier. If the prize is larger, the operator may ask you to confirm your identity and provide payment details so the money can be transferred securely.
If you bought your ticket in a shop, it’s a good idea to keep it safe and undamaged. Smaller prizes can often be paid out by participating retailers once the ticket has been checked. For higher-value prizes, you’d need to go through the operator’s claims process, which might involve completing a form and sending proof of identity.
All prizes need to be claimed within the timeframes set out in the rules, so acting promptly is important.
By knowing how prizes are paid and what steps to follow, you’ll be better prepared if you choose to take part. And if you do play, keeping it within your means can help ensure it remains enjoyable.
*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.