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How to play the National Lottery
Choosing your numbers
The National Lottery playslip has a number of boxes on it. These boxes are called "boards". You select your six numbers by marking them on a board. If you want to pick another six numbers, use another board. If you'd like the terminal to choose your numbers at random, mark the "Lucky Dip" box on your playslip or simply ask the retailer for a "Lucky Dip". (Note: You should not select a set of numbers and mark the "Lucky Dip" box on the same board.)
Choosing the draw
Choose which draw you wish to enter by marking the appropriate "Which Draw ?" box on the new playslip - "Both", "Wed" or "Sat". Ticking the "both" box makes things easier for you if you want to enter the same set of numbers for both draws. Your selection of six numbers will be automatically entered in the next Saturday and Wednesday draws, with just one playslip
Choose The Number Of Weeks To Play
On every playslip, you'll see a section called "No. of Weeks" which lets you use the same set of numbers for up to eight weeks, starting with the next selected draw.
Get Your Ticket and Check your ticket
When you've paid, the retailer will enter your selections into the terminal and give you a National Lottery ticket. It will have your chosen numbers (including any Lucky Dip selections) and the draw date(s) printed on it. You must check that the numbers you have selected, the days you wish to play, the number of weeks and the draw date(s) are correct, that the barcoded serial number is clearly readable and that the "void" box on your ticket has not been marked. Then write your name and address on the back. Keep your ticket safe, you'll need it to check off your numbers in the draw. Don't lose it ! You'll need it to claim your prize, as it is the only proof that you are a winner. You can play online here.
Rollovers
If no-one has chosen the six main numbers drawn, no-one wins the jackpot prize and it is rolled over to the next draw e.g. if nobody wins a Saturday draw, the jackpot rolls over to the following Wednesday. If nobody wins a Wednesday draw, the jackpot rolls over to the following Saturday. If the jackpot is not won after four consecutive draws, the final jackpot fund will be shared out between the players who have matched five of the six main numbers plus the bonus number, in the fourth draw.
How to win Lotto
If six numbers on one of your printed selections match the six main numbers that are drawn - in any order - you are a jackpot winner. You also win a prize by matching five, four or even three out of the six. There will also be a seventh "bonus number" drawn. If you already have five matching numbers, look out for it. The bonus number gives you the chance to win the second highest prize.
Winning Selection Odds Est. prize
Jackpot, Match 6 main numbers 1 in 13,983,816 £2,000,000
Match 5 main numbers + the bonus 1 in 2,330,636 £100,000
Match 5 main numbers 1 in 55,492 £1,500
Match 4 main numbers 1 in 1,033 £60
Match 3 main numbers 1 in 57 £10
Claiming your winnings
If your prize is up to £75, you can claim it in cash from any National Lottery retailer. All you've got to do is give them your winning ticket to validate through their Lottery terminal. The terminal will then produce a validation slip which will show the value of your prize. Check this against the amount paid out and return it to the retailer.
At their discretion, all retailers can pay prizes up to £200 in cash. Some National Lottery retailers are authorised to pay prizes of up to £500. National Lottery Post Offices will pay out prizes of up to £10,000, though prizes over £500 will be paid by cheque.
Anything above £10,000 must be claimed in person from a National Lottery Regional Centre and will be paid by cheque (no cash is held on these premises).
If you match all six main numbers, or five plus the bonus number, please call The National Lottery Line immediately for assistance in claiming your prize. Ring 0845 9 100 000 (calls normally charged at local rate in the UK).
To claim any prize above £500, you will have to complete a Claim Form and give proof of your identity. If you are claiming a large prize, additional checks on your winning ticket may be conducted.
All National Lottery prizes must be claimed by 11.00pm, 180 days after the winning draw. You can also claim your winnings by post. Send your winning ticket and the completed Claim Form to this address: The National Lottery, Accounts Dept., P.O. Box 287, Watford WD1 8TT