You may be wondering whether to put money into Premium Bonds or buy a National Lottery ticket. Both involve the chance to potentially win some money, but they work in completely different ways. If you have been considering either option, it is important to understand how they function before deciding where to place your money.

Premium Bonds are a type of savings product where your money remains safe, but instead of earning interest, you have the chance to win tax-free prizes. The National Lottery, on the other hand, is a game of chance where you purchase a ticket in the hope of winning a cash prize. These differences make it essential to compare the odds and mechanics of each option before making a decision.

This guide explains what Premium Bonds and the National Lottery are, how they operate, and the chances of winning. By understanding the odds and key differences, you can make a more informed choice based on facts, rather than assumptions.

How Do Premium Bonds Work?

Premium Bonds are a savings product offered by National Savings and Investments (NS&I), which is backed by the UK government. Instead of earning interest in the traditional way, your money is entered into a monthly prize draw where it could potentially win tax-free prizes ranging from £25 up to £1 million.

Each Premium Bond costs £1, and you can purchase between £25 and £50,000 worth. Every £1 bond you hold has an equal chance of potentially winning in each monthly draw. The draws are conducted by a Random Number Generator (RNG) called ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment), which selects the winning bond numbers.

One key feature of Premium Bonds is that your original investment is secure. If you decide you no longer want to participate, you can withdraw your money without any deductions. However, since there is no fixed interest, you are not guaranteed a return. Some people may go years without winning, while others might receive regular small prizes.

As of October 2023, the odds of a single bond winning any prize in a given month are roughly 1 in 22,000. The total prize fund is based on an interest rate set by NS&I, which currently stands at 4.00%. This determines the number and value of potential prizes available in each draw.

How Does The National Lottery Work?

The National Lottery offers different games where you can enter for a chance to win cash prizes. One of the most well-known is Lotto, where you choose six numbers from 1 to 59. A draw is held where six numbers and a bonus ball are randomly selected. If your numbers match the draw, you could win a prize. The more numbers matched, the higher the potential prize.

Another way to enter is through Lucky Dip, which randomly selects numbers for you. There are other games within the National Lottery, such as EuroMillions, Thunderball, and Set For Life, each with different rules and odds.

The money from ticket sales contributes to the prize fund, and any unclaimed prizes are returned to support good causes across the UK.

It is important to check the rules of the specific game you are playing, as each has its own draw structure, entry cost, and possible prize breakdown.

Premium Bonds Odds & Prize Breakdown

When you purchase Premium Bonds, each £1 bond acts as an individual entry into the monthly prize draw. The odds of any single bond winning a prize are around 1 in 22,000. Since each bond is separate, holding more bonds increases your chances of possibly winning.

The prize fund is divided into three bands: higher value, medium value, and lower value. Each band receives a portion of the total prize fund, which determines how many prizes are awarded in each category.

Higher Value Prizes (10% of the prize fund)

£1 million: 2 winners each month
£100,000: Around 82 winners per month
£50,000: Around 165 winners per month
£25,000 to £5,000: Thousands of winners in these categories

The number of prizes at each level is adjusted based on available funds. If there is a small surplus, it is carried over to fund additional prizes in lower categories.

Medium Value Prizes (10% of the prize fund)

£1,000: Approximately one prize for every three £500 prizes
£500: A large number of winners each month

Any excess funds from this category are allocated to the lower value band.

Lower Value Prizes (80% of the prize fund)

£100 and £50: Equal numbers of winners
£25: The most commonly won prize, awarded to a significant portion of bondholders

The total number of prizes in this category is determined by the number of eligible bonds and the overall prize fund percentage. Since Premium Bonds are based on a random draw, winnings are not guaranteed, and some investors may receive no prizes at all.

National Lottery Odds & Prize Breakdown

The odds of winning in the National Lottery depend on the specific game being played. In Lotto, the main game, the odds of winning the jackpot by matching all six numbers are approximately 1 in 45 million.

Here is the breakdown for Lotto:

6 numbers matched (Jackpot): 1 in 45,057,474
5 numbers + Bonus Ball: 1 in 7,509,579
5 numbers: 1 in 144,415
4 numbers: 1 in 2,180
3 numbers: 1 in 97
2 numbers: 1 in 10.3 (wins a free Lucky Dip)

Other National Lottery games, such as EuroMillions, Thunderball, and Set For Life, have different odds and prize structures. Checking the terms before playing can help you understand what to expect.

Premium Bonds vs National Lottery

Premium Bonds and the National Lottery offer different experiences, and the right choice depends on your preferences. Premium Bonds allow you to save money while having the chance to win potential prizes, whereas the National Lottery involves purchasing a ticket where the money is not returned if you do not win.

The key differences include:

Premium Bonds: Your money remains safe and can be withdrawn if needed. Prizes are tax-free, and while there is no guaranteed return, there is also no risk of losing the money you originally invested.
National Lottery: Each ticket gives you a chance to win, but does not act as an investment. If you do not win, the money spent on the ticket is gone.

The odds also vary significantly:

Premium Bonds: 1 in 22,000 chance per bond of winning a possible prize each month.
Lotto Jackpot: 1 in 45 million chance of winning.

While Premium Bonds may offer smaller, more potentially frequent prizes, the National Lottery offers larger jackpots, but with much lower chances of winning. Each option has different appeal, and it depends on whether you prefer the possibility of smaller, more frequent wins or the chance of winning a larger potential prize at much longer odds.

If you are considering either, looking at the odds and understanding how each system works can help you make a well-informed decision.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.