National Lottery rules have changed so that you can win money with just two matching numbers

The new rules mean more people stand a chance at winning some cash (Photo: Shutterstock)The new rules mean more people stand a chance at winning some cash (Photo: Shutterstock)
The new rules mean more people stand a chance at winning some cash (Photo: Shutterstock)

New National Lottery rules mean that winning cash just got a bit easier for players.

The new rules apply to ‘must be won’ games - this is everything you need to know.

What are the new rules?

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National Lottery players who successfully manage to match two numbers will now win £5. However, this only applies to a ‘must be won’ game, which occurs after the jackpot rolls over five times in a row.

In the jackpot games, if no one manages to match all six of the main numbers, then the prize will roll over.

Previously, in the must be won games, the cash would be shared out among the lower-tier prize winners, but this did not include players with only two numbers.

The new change means that around a million players could collect £5, in addition to a free lucky dip.

When do the new rules come into play?

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The rules will change on Saturday 7 November 2020, meaning all players who match at least two numbers after that date will win some amount of money on must be won games.

New National Lottery prizes explained

This is a breakdown of the prizes awarded from the National Lottery:

  • Match six main numbers: jackpot
  • Match five main numbers, plus the bonus ball: £1 million
  • Match five main numbers: £1,750
  • Match four main numbers: £140
  • Main three main numbers: £30
  • Match two main numbers: a free lucky dip

After 7 November, those who have matched two main numbers will be awarded £5, but it’s unclear how this will affect other prize winners.

What has The National Lottery said?

Commercial Director at Camelot, Neil Brocklehurst, said, “The changes we made a couple of years ago are continuing to prove really popular – particularly the ‘Must Be Won’ draws.

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“But we’re always looking at ways to make our games even better, and one thing that Match 2 winners were regularly telling us was that they wanted a share of the jackpot too.

“We know an unexpected extra fiver - which could be spent on a box of chocolates, a book or magazine, or to treat a friend to a coffee - can really put a smile on someone's face.”

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