On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the National Lottery held its latest draws for the Lotto and Thunderball games, offering players across the UK a chance to win life-changing sums. With a substantial Lotto jackpot and the consistent appeal of the Thunderball’s top prize, anticipation was high as participants awaited the results.
Lotto Draw Details
Winning Numbers
The winning numbers for the Lotto draw on May 17, 2025, were:
- Main Numbers: 18, 24, 34, 35, 47, 51
- Bonus Ball: 26
This draw was the 3,068th in the Lotto series, conducted using draw machine Lancelot and ball set 7. The jackpot for this draw stood at £11,343,776, offering a significant prize for any potential winners.
Prize Breakdown
The Lotto game allocates prizes across multiple tiers, depending on the number of matching numbers:
- Match 6 main numbers: Jackpot
- Match 5 main numbers + Bonus Ball
- Match 5 main numbers
- Match 4 main numbers
- Match 3 main numbers
- Match 2 main numbers
Players matching two main numbers receive a free Lotto Lucky Dip for a future draw, while higher matches correspond to increasing cash prizes. The exact prize amounts for each tier are determined by the number of winners and the total prize fund.
Thunder ball Draw Details
Winning Numbers
The Thunderball draw on the same evening yielded the following winning numbers:
- Main Numbers: 15, 17, 24, 28, 32
- Thunderball: 11
The Thunderball game offers a top prize of £500,000, which remains consistent regardless of the number of winners. This fixed jackpot makes it an attractive option for players seeking substantial, tax-free winnings.
Prize Breakdown
Thunderball prizes are awarded based on the number of main numbers and whether the Thunderball is matched:
- Match 5 main numbers + Thunderball: £500,000
- Match 5 main numbers
- Match 4 main numbers + Thunderball
- Match 4 main numbers
- Match 3 main numbers + Thunderball
- Match 3 main numbers
- Match 2 main numbers + Thunderball
- Match 1 main number + Thunderball
- Match only the Thunderball
Each prize tier offers a fixed amount, providing clarity and consistency for players. The Thunderball game is known for its favorable odds and the appeal of its top prize.
Historical Context and Notable Wins
The National Lottery has a rich history since its inception on November 19, 1994. The first draw saw seven winners sharing a jackpot of £5,874,778. Over the years, numerous players have experienced life-changing wins. The Sun
Record Wins
- The largest single-ticket win in the UK National Lottery history was £42 million, claimed in 1996.
- In November 2020, Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41 million and used his winnings to construct a luxury manor house with a pool.
- Sue Davies, aged 64, celebrated the end of five months of shielding during the pandemic by purchasing a lottery ticket, resulting in a £500,000 win.
- Sandra Devine, 36, intended to buy a £1 scratchcard but accidentally purchased a different one, leading to a £300,000 prize.
- In 1996, a 23-year-old named Karl won £11 million, showcasing that age is no barrier to lottery success.The Sun
These stories highlight the transformative impact of lottery wins on individuals from various walks of life.
Odds and Participation
While the allure of winning substantial prizes is strong, it’s essential to understand the odds involved:
- The odds of winning the Lotto jackpot (matching all six main numbers) are approximately 1 in 45 million.
- For the Thunderball top prize (matching five main numbers and the Thunderball), the odds are about 1 in 8 million.
Despite the challenging odds, many players participate regularly, driven by the excitement and the possibility of a significant windfall. The National Lottery also contributes a portion of its proceeds to various charitable causes, adding a philanthropic aspect to participation.
How to Claim Prizes
Winners can claim their prizes through different methods, depending on the amount won and the method of ticket purchase:
- For retail purchases, smaller prizes can typically be claimed at authorized retailers.
- Larger prizes may require visiting a designated National Lottery center or contacting the National Lottery directly.
- Online players will have winnings credited to their National Lottery account, with instructions provided for claiming larger amounts.
It’s crucial for winners to sign the back of their tickets and keep them safe until the prize is claimed.
Conclusion
The National Lottery’s draws on May 17, 2025, offered participants the chance to win significant prizes through the Lotto and Thunderball games. While the odds of winning the top prizes are steep, the stories of past winners serve as a testament to the life-changing potential of these games. As always, players are reminded to play responsibly and to check their tickets promptly to claim any prizes.
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