When National Lottery held the Thunderball drawUnited Kingdom (draw 3771) on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the winning numbers were 01, 06, 24, 36 and 37 with the Thunderball 05. Despite the excitement, no ticket matched all five main numbers plus the Thunderball, so the £500,000 top prize went unclaimed. Instead, three lucky players hit the five‑number line (missing the Thunderball) and walked away with £5,000 each, while a total of 102,283 tickets shared a prize fund of £544,004.
How the Thunderball Draw Works
The draw was conducted using the Excalibur 2 machine paired with Ball set T3, a combination that National Lottery officials say offers "maximum randomness". An independent adjudicator was present throughout, as is standard for all UK lottery draws, to guarantee transparency. Players pick five numbers from 1‑50 and a separate Thunderball number from 1‑12; matching the Thunderball alone nets a £3 win.
Because the draw takes place under strict rules, the organisation can’t be held responsible for clerical errors, a disclaimer that appears on every official result sheet.
Breakdown of Prizes and Winners
- Top prize (£500,000) – 0 winners
- Five numbers (no Thunderball) – 3 winners × £5,000 = £15,000
- Four numbers + Thunderball – 19 winners × £250 = £4,750
- Four numbers – 281 winners × £100 = £28,100
- Three numbers + Thunderball – 604 winners × £20 = £12,080
- Three numbers – 8,058 winners × £10 = £80,580
- Two numbers + Thunderball – 7,668 winners × £10 = £76,680
- One number + Thunderball – 34,932 winners × £5 = £174,660
- Thunderball only – 50,718 winners × £3 = £152,154
Adding up all tiers gives the £544,004 total that was paid out — a modest sum compared with the £5 million Lotto rollover happening the same night.
Parallel Lotto Draw and Its Rollover
On the same evening, the Lotto drawUnited Kingdom produced the numbers 3, 16, 23, 30, 38 and 47 with a bonus ball of 25. The jackpot, carrying over for several weeks, stood at an estimated £5 million, offering a stark contrast to the modest Thunderball pot.
Both draws were overseen by independent adjudicators and are subject to the same Games Rules and Procedures, ensuring that the odds and prize structures remain transparent for every player aged 18 or over who is physically located in the United Kingdom or the Isle of Man.
Responsible Gaming Message from the National Lottery
The organisation continues to push its "Dream Big Play Small" campaign, reminding players that lottery tickets should be a source of fun, not financial pressure. The National Lottery’s toolkit lets users set spending limits, take time‑outs, or receive reminders directly via the official app or website. In 2025, the toolkit was updated to include a "self‑exclusion" option that can be activated for up to six months.
According to a spokesperson, "Our goal is to keep the experience enjoyable while protecting vulnerable players. A few pounds spent on a ticket shouldn’t become a burden."
What This Means for Players Going Forward
For regular Thunderball enthusiasts, the absence of a jackpot winner isn’t unusual; the top prize often rolls over several weeks. However, with over 100 000 ticket‑holders winning something, the draw still generated excitement across pubs, workplaces and online forums.
Analysts note that the steady £500,000 top prize may eventually be increased if roll‑over frequency rises, similar to changes made to the Lotto jackpot in the early 2020s. In the meantime, players can keep an eye on the National Lottery results page for the next Thursday draw, when the next Thunderball numbers will be announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was there no £500,000 jackpot winner?
The odds of matching all five main numbers plus the Thunderball are 1 in 62 million. On 24 September 2025, none of the 102 283 winning tickets managed to hit that exact combination, so the top prize remained unclaimed and will roll over to the next draw.
How many people won a prize in this draw?
A total of 102 283 tickets claimed a prize, ranging from £3 for a Thunderball‑only match up to £5 000 for those who hit all five main numbers without the Thunderball.
What is the difference between the Thunderball and Lotto draws?
Thunderball uses five numbers from 1‑50 plus a separate Thunderball from 1‑12, with a fixed top prize of £500 000. Lotto selects six numbers from 1‑59 and a bonus ball, offering a jackpot that can roll over into the millions.
Can I set limits on my National Lottery spending?
Yes. The National Lottery app includes a toolkit where you can impose daily, weekly or monthly spend caps, pause play for a set period, or even self‑exclude for up to six months.
When is the next Thunderball draw?
Thunderball draws are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. The next draw after 24 September 2025 will be on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
