Thunderball: Do You Win Anything for 2 Numbers or 1 Number Matched?

The entertainment of playing Thunderball often leads to the moment of checking your ticket and counting your numbers. Whether you are a regular player or just giving it a go for the first time, everyone wants to know exactly what you can win.

Have you ever matched just one or two numbers and thought, “Is this enough for a prize?” You are not alone, many players are not quite sure what counts as a win.

If you are curious about the real odds, potential prizes, and what it actually takes to land a Thunderball win, you are in the right place. Let’s break down the prize structure so you know exactly where you stand next time those numbers roll in.

Do You Win Anything For Matching Two Main Numbers?

If you match two main numbers, it is understandable to hope it might be enough for a payout. However, two main numbers alone do not result in a prize.

Where it changes is when the Thunderball is part of the same line. Two main numbers plus the Thunderball pays £5. Without the Thunderball, there is no return for two mains, even if the rest of your line looks close.

If that leaves you wondering about one main number or the Thunderball by itself, here is how those situations work.

Do You Win Anything For Matching Only One Main Number Or Just The Thunderball?

Matching only one main number does not pay a prize. The Thunderball, however, carries its own payout. If you get only the Thunderball, you receive £3. The same £3 applies if you match one main number alongside the Thunderball.

In short, the Thunderball unlocks the lower prize tiers, whether or not a single main number is present.

Thunderball Prize Breakdown And Typical Payouts

Thunderball is known for its simple, fixed prizes, so you always know what is up for grabs. Every payout is guaranteed, whatever the number of winners at that level.

Here is how the prizes are split:

Match the Thunderball only: £3
1 main number + Thunderball: £3
2 main numbers + Thunderball: £5
3 main numbers: £10
3 main numbers + Thunderball: £20
4 main numbers: £100
4 main numbers + Thunderball: £250
5 main numbers: £5,000
5 main numbers + Thunderball: £500,000

Prizes do not roll over, and each win is paid in full, no matter how many other people win at the same level. Knowing the amounts is one thing, but what are the chances of landing them?

Odds Of Winning Each Thunderball Prize Tier

Thunderball uses fixed odds for each prize tier, so you can see your chances in advance. At the top end, matching all 5 main numbers plus the Thunderball is 1 in 8,060,598, while matching 5 main numbers without the Thunderball is 1 in 620,046.

Mid-tier wins scale from 1 in 47,416 for 4 main numbers plus the Thunderball, to 1 in 3,648 for 4 main numbers on their own. For 3 main numbers plus the Thunderball, the odds are 1 in 1,437, and 1 in 111 for 3 main numbers without it.

Lower tiers are more frequent. Matching 2 main numbers with the Thunderball is 1 in 135, 1 main number with the Thunderball is 1 in 35, and the Thunderball on its own is 1 in 29.

Your overall chance of winning any prize on a single line is 1 in 13. Set a budget you are comfortable with and stick to it.

If that pays off and you do win, the next step is getting your prize paid quickly and securely.

How Prizes Are Paid And Claimed

Claiming a Thunderball prize is straightforward, and how you receive your winnings depends on how you bought your ticket.

If you played online or through the official National Lottery app, prizes up to £500 are paid straight into your account automatically. For prizes between £501 and £30,000, you will receive an email with simple next steps, usually to verify your details.

If you purchased your ticket in a shop, you can claim prizes up to £100 at most retailers. For amounts up to £500, some stores can pay out in cash, but it is best to check with them first. Bigger wins, up to £50,000, can be claimed at designated National Lottery payout centres or by post.

For the largest prizes, you will need to contact the National Lottery directly to arrange payment. You will need your winning ticket and ID.

Always check your ticket as soon as possible, as prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw. Unclaimed winnings go to National Lottery-funded good causes.

How To Check Your Thunderball Numbers And Validate A Ticket

Checking your Thunderball numbers is quick and easy, so you will know in minutes whether you have had a win.

You can find the latest results on the official National Lottery website, in the app, or at many newsagents and supermarkets that display results in store. Newspapers also publish results, though online options are updated first.

Compare the numbers drawn with those on your ticket, including both your five main numbers and the Thunderball. If you are playing online, your numbers are checked automatically and you will receive an email if you have won. If you bought in a shop, scan your ticket at any National Lottery retailer for instant validation, either at a self-check scanner or with a member of staff.

If any of that feels unclear, it helps to be certain about what counts as a match in the first place.

What Counts As A Match In Thunderball?

A standard Thunderball line is five main numbers from 1 to 39, plus one Thunderball from 1 to 14. Each draw selects five main numbers and one Thunderball at random.

A match is any number on your ticket that is the same as a number drawn. Prizes are based on specific combinations, and in many of the lower tiers the Thunderball is the element that activates a payout. You can win with just the Thunderball, with the Thunderball plus one or more main numbers, or by matching higher counts of main numbers as set out in the prize table.

Main numbers on their own only pay at certain levels, such as 3, 4 or 5 matches. To be sure, check both your main numbers and your Thunderball against the official results.

_{*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.}