The National Lottery, a bi-weekly event that occurs every Wednesday and Saturday, is a game of chance where players select six numbers from 1-59 in the hopes of matching the numbers drawn to win cash prizes. Millions of players across the UK play every week.
One of the most searched questions pertaining to the lottery is: “What are the odds of matching three numbers, and what is the payout if I do?”
3 Numbers On Lotto: Do I Win Anything?
When it comes to the National Lottery, you don’t need to match all six numbers to win a prize. In fact, matching just half of that – three numbers – can secure you a win. This doesn’t mean you’ll be taking home the jackpot, but it does assure you of a fixed monetary award. The odds of matching three numbers in the lottery stand at around 1 in 97.
So, what happens if you do match three numbers? Simply put, you win £30. This amount is fixed and must be claimed within 180 days of the draw, or else it expires. If you happen to miss this window, you’ll unfortunately not be able to claim it anymore. The £30 award remains constant, regardless of the number of winners in that draw.
What Is The Lottery Payout For 3 Numbers?
As we’ve established, matching three numbers in the National Lottery awards a prize of £30. This amount stays the same no matter how many people match 3 numbers on the lottery because it is a fixed sum. It doesn’t matter if you are the only player to win with three numbers or one among thousands of others, you will still receive £30.
The process to claim this win is straightforward. If you have an online account with the National Lottery, you can make your claim online. Alternatively, you can visit the retail store where you bought your tickets to claim your prize. If you choose the latter, remember to bring the winning ticket and proof of identification to confirm that you are the rightful owner of the ticket.
Odds of Getting 3 Numbers On The Lottery
Although the odds of winning the National Lottery’s jackpot are quite slim (estimated to be 1 in 45,057,474), the chances of matching three numbers are significantly higher. The probability of this happening stands at 1 in 97.
It’s also worth noting that the bonus ball doesn’t count for three numbers. The bonus ball only applies if you match five numbers. So, if you match three numbers and the bonus ball, you’ll only receive a prize for the three numbers, not the bonus ball.
Do The National Lottery Email You If You Win?
The National Lottery does indeed notify winners via email. The timing of the notification can vary, but it is typically sent during regular business hours after the draw. To receive this email, you must have an online account or use their app. If you buy a physical ticket from a store, you will not receive an email.
The timing of the email is typically during regular business hours, not long after the draw. If you do receive the email, make sure it exhibits telltale signs of legitimacy, such as an official email address and is free from any suspicious links or requests for details.
How Long Does The Lottery Take To Pay Out?
If you’re fortunate enough to win a prize in the National Lottery, you have up to 180 days to claim it. Following your claim, the National Lottery will verify your details, which can include a home visit from a lottery winner adviser if it’s the jackpot prize. Once everything has been validated, you can expect the money in your account within 2 to 7 days.
Of course, this can vary depending on the size of the prize you win. Check the National Lottery’s website for more information.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a lottery novice, understanding the odds and payouts, as well as what happens in the event of a win, can be helpful. While the chances of winning the jackpot are slim, you can still win prizes for matching as few as three numbers to those drawn.
Be sure to claim your prize swiftly to avoid missing out. Remember that the lottery is a form of gambling, so it’s crucial to play responsibly.
