UK 49s

Wiki Article

UK 49s is a popular daily draw-based game operated by 49's Ltd, a subsidiary of Sports Information Services (SIS). Unlike traditional national lotteries where players buy tickets into a central prize pool, UK 49s is a "fixed-odds" betting product. This means players bet on the outcome of the draw through independent bookmakers, with payouts determined by the bookmaker's specific odds rather than the number of total winners.

Launched in 1996, shortly after the debut of the UK National Lottery, it was designed specifically for the betting shop environment. It has since gained a significant following in both the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Game Mechanics

The game follows a 6/49 format, similar to many classic lotteries. During each draw, six main numbers are selected at random from a range of 1 to 49, followed by a seventh "Booster" (or bonus) ball.

Betting Options

Players generally choose between two primary ways to play:

• 6-Ball Draw: Players bet on their numbers appearing among the first six balls drawn. This offers higher odds (and higher payouts).

• 7-Ball Draw: Players include the Booster ball in their prediction. This makes it easier to match numbers, so the odds and payouts are slightly lower.

Common Bet Types

Because UK 49s is a betting product, it offers more flexibility than standard lotteries:

• Straight Bets: Predicting 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 numbers to appear. All chosen numbers must be drawn for the bet to win.

• Combination Bets: Selecting a larger pool of numbers to cover multiple possible combinations.

• Side Bets: Many bookmakers offer odds on the color of the first ball, whether the first ball will be odd or even, or the total sum of the balls drawn.

Draw Schedule

UK 49s is known for its frequency, originally featuring two draws daily. In recent years, additional draws have been added by some providers to increase daily opportunities.

Note: In 2026, the primary Lunchtime Draw and Teatime draws remain the most widely recognized across all international platforms.

Prize Structure and Odds

Prizes are not fixed by a central body but are offered by bookmakers. A typical payout for a £1 bet (without the Booster ball) often looks like this:

• 1 Number: £6.00

• 2 Numbers: £66.00

• 3 Numbers: £700.00

• 4 Numbers: £10,000.00

• 5 Numbers: £160,000.00

Important Note: Payouts can vary significantly between different bookmakers. Most operators set a "Maximum Payout" limit (often between £150,000 and £1,000,000) per customer per day.

Ownership and Regulation

The game is owned by 49's Ltd, which was acquired by Sports Information Services (SIS) in June 2020. Major UK bookmakers such as William Hill and Entain (Ladbrokes/Coral) have historically held interests in the company.

The draws are strictly regulated under the UK Gambling Commission to ensure fairness and transparency. Results are broadcast live to participating betting shops and published on the official 49s website.