UK National Lottery is one of the most trusted and popular lotteries in Europe, known for its big jackpots, frequent draws, and variety of games.
Main Games in the UK National Lottery:
- Lotto (Wednesday & Saturday) – 6-numbers format (from 1 to 59);
- Thunderball (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) – format: 5 numbers (1-39) + 1 Thunderball (1-14);
- Set For Life (Monday & Thursday) – format: 5 numbers (1–47) + 1 “Life Ball” (1–10);
- EuroMillions (Multi-country European lottery including the UK).
UK National Lottery is now reachable for players in Odisha using secure international lottery sites. It offers exciting games like Thunderball and Lotto with jackpots going up to ₹20 crore and draws happening multiple times a week.
Let’s break it down: how to legally, safely, and smartly play UK lotteries like Thunderball from India.
What Is the UK National Lottery?
Overview of UK Lotto and Thunderball
The UK National Lottery started in 1994 and is one of the oldest and most trusted lottery systems in the world. Its most popular games include Thunderball, Lotto, and Set For Life.
- Regulated by UK Gambling Commission
- Top Game: Thunderball – ₹5 crore top prize (not shared)
- Format: Pick 5 numbers (1-39) + 1 Thunderball (1-14)
- Draw Days: 4 times a week – Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Prizes: 9 prize levels
- Odds: 1 in 13 for any prize, 1 in 8 million for top prize
- Top Game: UK Lotto – ₹20 crore, rolls over if no winner
- Format: Pick 6 numbers (1-59)
- Draw Days: 2 times a week – Wed, Sat
- Prizes: 6 prize levels
- Odds: 1 in 9.3 for any prize, 1 in 45 million for top prize
Perfect for players who want small regular wins and a shot at big cash.

Who Can Play from India?
Indian players, including those from Odisha, can join through legal third-party platforms. These platforms are based in the UK and buy official tickets on your behalf. They upload your ticket, notify you if you win, and send the money to your account.
You cannot use the official UK lottery site (only for UK residents), but you can use global sites like TheLotter and Lotto Agent.

How to Play UK National Lottery from India
Step-by-Step Guide (Thunderball & Lotto)
- Step 1. Choose a Trusted Site. Use legal platforms like Lotto Agent or TheLotter.
- Step 2. Create Your Account. Sign up with real details (name, phone, Odisha address).
- Step 3. Verify Age. Must be 18+. Upload your Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
- Step 4. Pick Your Game. Choose Thunderball or Lotto.
- Step 5. Select Numbers
- Thunderball: 5 numbers (1-39) + 1 Thunderball (1-14)
- Lotto: 6 numbers (1-59)
- Step 6. Pay Online. Use UPI, credit card, or wallets. Each Thunderball ticket costs ₹100-₹150 approx.
- Step 7. Get Confirmation. Your ticket will be saved in your account.
- Step 8. Wait for Draw. Check results after the draw or get notified by email/app.
Manual Pick vs Quick Pick
Manual selection allows you to choose lucky numbers (birthdays, anniversaries). Quick Pick options use random number generators, numbers auto-selected by system (random, fast).
Both options have equal chances. Pick whatever suits your style.
Ticket Cost & Payment Methods
Game | Ticket Price (approx ₹) | Payment Options |
---|---|---|
Thunderball | ₹100–₹150 per ticket | UPI, debit and credit cards, wallets |
Lotto | ₹200–₹250 per ticket | Visa, Paytm, PhonePe, Skrill |
You can also opt for:
- Multi-draw: Play multiple draws at once, save time.
- Subscriptions: Auto-play weekly without remembering deadlines.
UK National Lottery Draw Schedule (IST Time)
Game | Draw Days | Draw Time (UK) | IST Time |
---|---|---|---|
Thunderball | Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | 8:00 PM | 1:30 AM (next day) |
Lotto | Wed, Sat | 8:00 PM | 1:30 AM (next day) |
Set for Life | Mon, Thu | 8:00 PM | 1:30 AM (next day) |
Buy tickets before 12:30 AM IST to make the cut-off. If late, your ticket goes to the next draw.

UK Lottery Prize Structure & Odds
Thunderball Prizes (Fixed Amounts)
Tier | Match | Prize (₹ approx) | Odds |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 5 + TB | ₹5 crore | 1 in 8 million |
2 | 5 | ₹50 lakh | 1 in 620K |
3 | 4 + TB | ₹15 lakh | 1 in 48K |
4 | 4 | ₹5,000 | 1 in 3K |
5 | 3 + TB | ₹2,500 | 1 in 1.4K |
6 | 3 | ₹500 | 1 in 111 |
7 | 2 + TB | ₹400 | 1 in 135 |
8 | 1 + TB | ₹250 | 1 in 35 |
9 | TB | ₹200 | 1 in 29 |
The odds of winning anything is 1 in 13. Better than many international lotteries.
UK Lotto Prizes
Tier | Match | Prize (₹ approx) | Odds |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 6 numbers | ₹20 crore+ (jackpot) | 1 in 45,057,474 |
2 | 5 + Bonus Ball | ₹1 crore+ | 1 in 7,509,579 |
3 | 5 numbers | ₹1–2 lakh | 1 in 144,415 |
4 | 4 numbers | ₹8,000–₹10,000 | 1 in 2,180 |
5 | 3 numbers | ₹1,000 | 1 in 97 |
6 | 2 numbers | Free Lotto ticket | 1 in 10.3 |
Legality and Safety of Playing UK Lottery from Odisha, India
Odisha allows lottery participation within regulated frameworks, making UK National Lottery participation potentially permissible So yes, it’s legal. Here’s why:
- ✔ Indian law doesn’t ban playing foreign lotteries through licensed sites.
- ✔ Odisha doesn’t restrict international platforms.
- ✔ Thunderball and Lotto are UK-licensed under government rules.
- ✔ You’re not gambling inside India – you’re buying a ticket abroad.
Just make sure to use a licensed platform with a visible gaming license (Curacao, Malta, UK).

Top Trusted Platforms for Indian Players
Platform | Odisha-Friendly Features |
---|---|
TheLotter | Accepts INR, great mobile app, live support 🇮🇳 |
Lotto Agent | UPI supported, fast payout, 24/7 chat |
WeLoveLotto | Clean interface, Indian payment modes |
🎯 Look for platforms with:
- License display in footer
- Secure HTTPS encryption
- Clear prize payout terms
- Customer support for IST time zone
FAQs
Can I Play Thunderball from Bhubaneswar?
Yes! As long as you’re using a licensed site, it’s fully legal. Odisha has no law stopping it.
Small wins: Money goes to your online account instantly. Big wins: You’ll need ID verification. The prize is sent to your bank account in INR.
Yes. Lottery wins are taxed at 30% flat rate under Indian income tax law. Odisha does not have a separate state lottery tax. So consult your CA if you win big.