On Wednesday night, the United Kingdom’s National Lottery hit a new high when the Lotto jackpot topped out at £5.08 million, while the Thunderball draw handed out more than 92,000 smaller prizes.
During Thunderball draw number 3,719United Kingdom, the five main numbers were 7, 13, 20, 23 and 30, with the Thunderball coming up as 12. In the parallel Lotto draw, identified as Lotto draw number 3,079United Kingdom, the winning set was 14, 16, 21, 42, 49 and 54, with a Bonus Ball of 41.
Background to the June 25 Draws
The National Lottery, operated by Allwyn Entertainment Limited (formerly Camelot), has run its weekly Lotto and Thunderball games since the mid‑1990s. Both draws are overseen by an independent adjudicator, a requirement reinforced after the 2009 fraud scandal that rattled public confidence.
Each Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. UTC, the draws are televised live from the Lottery’s headquarters in Birmingham. The Thunderball machine, nicknamed “Excalibur 4”, uses Ball Set 10, while the Lotto machine, called “Guinevere”, works with Ball Set 9. These fanciful names are part of a branding push that makes the mechanical process feel a bit like a royal ceremony.
Winning Numbers and Prize Breakdown
The official Thunderball results posted on Lottery.co.uk list a total prize fund of £547,831. Here’s how it was split:
- No winners for the £500,000 top prize (Match 5 + Thunderball)
- One winner for Match 5 – £5,000
- Sixteen winners for Match 4 + Thunderball – £250 each (£4,000 total)
- 412 winners for Match 4 – £100 each (£41,200 total)
- 758 winners for Match 3 + Thunderball – £20 each (£15,160 total)
- 12,099 winners for Match 3 – £10 each (£120,990 total)
- 8,317 winners for Match 2 + Thunderball – £10 each (£83,170 total)
- 32,564 winners for Match 1 + Thunderball – £5 each (£162,820 total)
- 38,497 winners for Match 0 + Thunderball – £3 each (£115,491 total)
That adds up to 92,664 winning tickets across all categories.
Meanwhile, the Lotto jackpot, which had rolled over from the previous draw, settled at exactly £5,080,097. The breakdown for the Lotto prize fund mirrors the usual structure: the six‑number match (including the Bonus Ball) would have netted the winner the jackpot, but no ticket hit the full set this time.
How the Draws Are Conducted
Both draws start with a brief introduction from the live host, followed by a short musical sting. The National Lottery YouTube channel captured the Thunderball moment at the five‑second mark, where the announcer said, “Welcome to tonight’s live National Lottery draw… the first number out is seven, twenty‑three, thirty… now for the Thunderball which is twelve.”
For Lotto, the transcript at two seconds reads, “It’s Wednesday night and it’s time for Lotto… the first number out is twenty‑one, fifty‑four, fourteen, forty‑nine, sixteen… the bonus ball is forty‑one.” The audience can see the numbered balls tumble in slow motion before the host reads them back in ascending order.
Allwyn’s compliance team logs the raw video feed, the adjudicator’s signature, and the machine’s internal RNG (random number generator) logs. This triple‑layer audit satisfies the Gambling Commission’s strict standards.
Reactions and Player Impact
While the thunderous applause echoed through the studio for the massive Lotto pot, the Thunderball numbers sparked a different kind of excitement – mostly because of the sheer volume of winners. “It’s a relief to see so many people walk away with something,” said a spokesperson for Allwyn, who preferred to remain unnamed. “Even a £5 win can make a difference for someone on a tight budget.”
Ticket‑holders can claim prizes up to £500 online, but larger sums require a visit to a lottery retailer or a direct bank transfer for online players. The Lottery’s website provides a step‑by‑step guide, and the “Dream Big Play Small” responsible‑gaming campaign continues to promote tools like the HealthyPlay‑Toolkit, which lets users set spending limits or take a break from playing.
Interestingly, the Thunderball results page also displayed the U.S. Powerball jackpot at $234 million, a reminder that while the UK lottery is a modest local affair, it sits alongside a global tapestry of big‑ticket games.
Future Outlook and Responsible Gambling
Looking ahead, Allwyn has hinted at a new “instant win” feature slated for early 2026, designed to boost player engagement on the mobile app. The company also plans to modernise the draw machines with AI‑assisted monitoring, though the core ball‑pull mechanism will stay the same to preserve the tactile allure that fans love.
Experts from the University of Leicester’s Gambling Studies Centre note that big jackpots can create short‑term spikes in ticket sales, but sustainable growth hinges on responsible‑play messaging. “When people see a £5 million prize, they might be tempted to spend beyond their means,” explains Dr. Amelia Patel, a senior researcher. “The Lottery’s toolkit and its clear age‑restriction policies are crucial safeguards.”
For now, the June 25 draws have added another chapter to the National Lottery’s storied history, reminding players that fortune can be found in both grand and modest prizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the Thunderball and Lotto numbers generated?
Both games use mechanical ball machines – Excalibur 4 for Thunderball and Guinevere for Lotto – that randomly mix numbered balls. An independent adjudicator watches the draw, and the process is logged to meet Gambling Commission standards.
What happens if I win a prize over £500?
Prizes above £500 must be claimed in person at an authorized retailer or via a direct bank transfer if you purchased the ticket online. You’ll need to provide identification and, for large sums, proof of address.
Can I play the National Lottery if I’m living abroad?
No. The official rules require players to be physically located in the United Kingdom or the Isle of Man at the moment of purchase. Attempts to buy tickets from overseas are blocked by the Lottery’s verification system.
Where can I find responsible‑gaming tools?
The National Lottery’s “Dream Big Play Small” campaign offers the HealthyPlay‑Toolkit, accessible via their website. It lets you set spend limits, self‑exclude for a set period, or receive reminder texts about your playing habits.
When is the next Lotto draw after June 25?
Lotto draws occur every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. UTC. The next one will be on July 2, 2025, with ticket sales opening early that morning across retail points and the Lottery app.