UK Thunderball History
Lotteries have been popular in the UK for many decades and this version, with similarities to the US Powerball lottery game has been around since 1999. The draw was initially a bi-weekly draw held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The original game had players guessing five numbers from a one to thirty-four guess range but in 2010, lottery officials added five numbers to the guess range for a 5/39 format and added the ninth prize category for the Thunderball. To increase interest, also in 2010 the jackpot was raised from £250,000 to £500,000 and a Friday draw was added.
The Camelot Company oversees administers the UK Thunderball lottery.
How it Works
Players will need to select five numbers from a one to thirty-nine range and select the Thunderball from a one to fourteen guess range. Not only is the Thunderball essential to win the jackpot it also awards lucky winners with a long list of secondary prizes. You can select your own lucky numbers, use the quick picks system, or use the numbers saved in your online account. The draws take place three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in London.
How to Win
With nine different winning categories the Thunderball lottery is one of the most impressive in the UK. The Thunderball is needed to win the jackpot but also to win the third, fifth, seventh, eighth, and ninth prize categories. Other combinations will make you a winner for the second, fourth, and sixth categories. No matter if there are 10 jackpot winners, every lucky winner will receive the £500,000 jackpot amount.
An amazing 1:29 tickets are winners and there have been hundreds of jackpot winners since the Thunderball inception.
Charitable Giving
Proceeds from the UK Thunderball are given to the Good Causes foundation which is responsible for delegating the funds to charitable causes. Over 800 programs have been supported by the foundation since its establishment.
