Definition
Bonus Ball
Also known as Bonus Number, Powerball, Lucky Star, Extra Ball
By Abhinav VasudevanReviewed Editorial policy
In short
A bonus ball is an extra number drawn after the main numbers, used to determine secondary prize tiers. Matching five main numbers plus the bonus ball typically pays far more than matching five alone.
A bonus ball is drawn after the main numbers and creates an additional prize tier without changing the jackpot requirement.
How it is used
In a 6-from-49 draw, matching all six main numbers wins the jackpot. The bonus ball creates a tier between that and matching five:
| Match | Tier |
|---|---|
| 6 main | Jackpot |
| 5 main + bonus | Second prize |
| 5 main | Third prize |
| 4 main | Fourth prize |
The second tier is typically many times the third, which is why the bonus ball produces the most frustrating near-misses in lottery play.
Variants
UK Lotto: one bonus ball drawn from the same set of 59, used only for the 5+bonus tier.
EuroMillions: two Lucky Stars drawn from a separate pool of 12. The jackpot requires 5 main numbers plus both Lucky Stars, which is why its odds (1 in 139,838,160) are so much longer than a single-pool draw.
Powerball (US): a separate red ball drawn from its own pool of 26. It is required for the jackpot, and matching it alone wins a small fixed prize.
Mega Millions: a Mega Ball from a pool of 25, working the same way.
Why operators use them
Two reasons, both commercial.
A separate pool lengthens the jackpot odds dramatically without requiring more main numbers. Powerball’s 1-in-292-million odds come almost entirely from the second pool, and longer odds mean more rollovers and bigger headline jackpots.
It also increases the number of winning tiers, so more players win something. Matching the Powerball alone wins a small prize, which keeps a large share of players experiencing a win of some kind.
The separate-pool trap
Because the bonus pool is drawn separately, matching it is independent of the main numbers. A quick-pick ticket has no advantage or disadvantage here, and no combination of main numbers affects the bonus draw.
Common questions
What is a bonus ball?
An extra number drawn after the main numbers, creating a prize tier between matching all six and matching five. Matching five plus the bonus typically pays many times more than matching five alone.
Why does Powerball have such long odds?
Because the red ball is drawn from a separate pool of 26, and the jackpot requires both pools. That structure lengthens the odds to roughly 1 in 292 million without needing more main numbers.