Although hosted in the UK, UK49’s is a popular daily game that’s played across the world and offers many attractive features. Of course, the prizes may not be as big as that of the US Powerball and it’s much different than South Africa’s Daily Lotto. But with many betting options and the freedom to choose exactly how much money you want to try your luck on, it’s worth giving a try.

Perhaps you’re a newbie and you don’t even know how to play Powerball or other traditional lottery games. UK49’s is an easy and fun game to get started on, and our guide will get you playing with confidence.

In a Hurry?

This overview of the UK49’s Lunchtime game already gives you an idea of what to expect once you start playing.

Numbers to win a prizeAt least 1 (but depends on your bet)
Number range1 – 49
Draw daysDaily
Draw time (SA Time)1:49 pm from April to October
2:49 pm from November to March
Minimum age18
Prize moneyDepends on bookkeeper and wager

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UK49s Lunchtime Basics and Rules

The UK49’s Lunchtime game is one of two well-known daily draws, the other being UK49’s Teatime draw. So if you know how to play UK49’s Teatime already, this one will be easy to grasp.

However, knowing how to play Eurojackpot or other major lotteries doesn’t necessarily prepare you for these games, as the structure is very different. Also, playes mostly take part with the help of bookmakers. Our summaries of rules, prizes and other facts will help you get onboard quickly though.

Playing UK49s Lunchtime

As is necessary for responsible gambling, all bookmakers set rules for their players. Some guidelines are similar to that of online lottery sites like theLotter. We share information that can help you plan and budget.

FeatureRulesImportant Notes
Legal age to play18
  • This is the legal age to gamble in SA
  • They can request ID to confirm you’re old enough to play
CostPlayer dependent
  • You can decide how much you want to bet.
  • Bookmakers may set maximum stakes or payouts.
Registration rulesMust present proof of funds
  • Legislation may require bookmakers to request proof that you have available funds and that you’re playing with your own money.
  • Proof of funds may require you to upload or email documentation like bank statements or payslips.

Rules and Structure

Both UK49’s Lunchtime and UK49’s Teatime games are owned by Sports Information Services, a company in the UK. However, you’ll find UK49’s being played all over the globe, as it’s on many bookmakers’ list of games to play. The draw results they use all come from the numbers picked each day at lunchtime, in the UK.

Understanding the UK49s Lunchtime Structure

The UK49’s draw clearly has some differences to traditional lotteries, as you’ll see from these facts below:

  • Number range: All players must pick numbers between 1 and 49. This is where the game gets its name.
  • Number of balls in draw: UK49’s Lunchtime results comprises six numbers and a seventh, called the Booster Ball.
  • Goal of the game: You state which numbers you believe will be picked during a draw.
  • Pick any number of balls: Players can pick the number of balls you want to pick, so you don’t have to guess the whole sequence of numbers. If you only want to pick one, you can. And you can pick a maximum of five.
  • Must match all: You decide how many numbers to match and all those numbers must be correct in order to win any prize.
  • Pick type of draw: You commit to either a six-number draw or a seven-number draw, which will include the Booster Ball. Each of these draw types carries its own odds, and odds affects payouts. For one thing, when you include the Booster Ball, there’s a better chance of you winning, but the returns are less.

Players can also place wagers on other aspects of the game, often called ‘markets’. This can include but isn’t limited to:

  • Whether the sum of all the balls will be odd or even
  • If the Booster Ball is odd or even
  • Whether the Booster Ball’s number is a single or double digit
  • If the Booster Ball’s number is over or under a specific number

Bookmakers will have their own list of special options (markets) to pick from and will display the odds for each of these options. It’s your choice whether to participate or not. These add-on options make the game even more interesting and fun.

Drawings and Prizes

The draw for this game happens in the UK and bookmakers across the world will use those results to determine if their customers have won anything. The draw details are:

  • Location: UK
  • Day: Every day of the week
  • Time in UK: 12:49
  • SA Time: 13:49 in months March to October; 14:49 in months November to end March

You predict the outcome of the draw and for guessing the right numbers, you get paid based on:

  • Which of the five prize categories you fall into.
  • How many numbers you bet on.
  • The odds that the bookmaker set for each prize category – it’s up to each vendor to decide on the odds they want to offer.
  • Whether you signed up for the 7-number of 6-number draw.

An example can clarify the unique concept for new players. In the table below, the results are based on a bet of ZAR1.

Prize Category6-number Draw OddsReturns7-number Draw OddsReturns
Pick 5100,000/1ZAR100,00050,000/1ZAR50,000
Pick 410,000/1ZAR10,0005,000/1ZAR5,000
Pick 31000/1ZAR1,000500/1ZAR500
Pick 2100/1ZAR10050/1ZAR50
Pick 110/1ZAR105/1ZAR5

Important guidelines when playing UK49’s Lunchtime games:

  • Because bookmakers’ odds differ, compare them in order to find the ones that offer better odds.
  • Bookmakers sometimes set limits to the amount they’re willing to pay out. Don’t place bets that will push your winnings above this threshold, as they may refuse to pay out more than what their policies state.

Once you realise you’re eligible for some cash because you bet the right numbers, you can use the following tips to ensure you get your payout.

Method of PlayClaiming a Prize
Purchase in UK betting shopVisit the outlet to claim a prize.
Use online bookmakerFollow up that money is paid to your player’s account

How to Buy a UK49s Lunchtime Ticket

Thanks to its popularity, you can buy a UK49’s Lunchtime game ticket from almost anywhere in the world these days. To help you prepare, we summarised some important tips:

  • Cost is flexible: There’s no standard ticket price – you can plan your budget and wager as much as you wish.
  • Accessibility: You can look for the game on online lottery sites and bookmakers’ online platforms. In general this game isn’t available in betting shops in South Africa – only online.
  • Timeline: Online platforms often allow bets up to the time of the draw, as long as your purchase doesn’t only register after the draw is finished. Check the details of the platforms you use so you don’t miss out. Time left to buy a ticket is usually clearly displayed.
  • Compare odds: To identify the best lottery site or bookmaker, compare the odds they’re offering. Pick odds that lead to higher payouts if you want to win big.

The clear guides below will help you feel comfortable playing this game, whether you play in South Africa or the UK, using one of the available options:

  • Retail outlets in UK
  • UK and international bookmakers
  • South African bookmakers

How to Play UK49s Lunchtime Online

South Africans won’t easily find UK49’s games in local brick and mortar betshops, but if you’re in the UK, in-store playing is an option. The following steps and guidelines will apply.

1. Get a bet slip – You need an official bet slip to complete and hand to a cashier.

2. Indicate draw type – You must indicate you’re betting on the 7-number draw. If not stated clearly, it’s accepted that you’re playing the 6-number draw.

3. Indicate numbers – Write down the numbers you bet will be in the draw.

4. Confirm other market wagers – It’s optional to write down details of bets for other markets, like sum of the draw.

5. Set stake – Write down how much you want to bet on each market you’re wagering on.

6. Submit your ticket – The betshop records your bet.

7. Get your receipt – Check that the details are correct according to what you stated on your completed betslip.

8. Check results – Watch the draw or view UK49’s Lunchtime results online so you know when you’ve won – then you can take your receipt to the bookmaker to claim your money.

Important note: betshops usually visually showcase the maximum payout they’re willing to make, in store. Look for or request this information, so you can place a bet that doesn’t exceed that amount, should you win.

How to Play UK49s Lunchtime In-Store

When travelling in Europe you can buy a ticket and still win, as long as you’re in the country where it was purchased when you claim a Eurojackpot prize. In all 18 countries that participate in Eurojackpot, you’ll find official retail outlets that are allowed to sell this game’s tickets. The steps below describe the basic process you can expect in any of these outlets.

1. Go in store – Sales must be done within the outlet’s business hours. Retail store attendants will assist with the purchase.

2. Ask for a play card – Get the special paper on which you’ll indicate the details of your ticket.

3. Mark your numbers – Tick the seven numbers you want to play: five main numbers and two Euro Numbers.

4. Hand in your play card – Give the completed paper to the retailer, so they can enter the details on their system.

5. Pay for your ticket – You may be asked for identification, to confirm you’re above the legal age to play the lottery.

6. Get your ticket – The retailer gives you a ticket containing the details of your selection, and proof that you paid for the ticket.

7. Sign the ticket – Lottery officials advise players to confirm ownership by immediately signing the back of the ticket.

8. Keep it safe – The paper ticket is the proof you’ll submit as part of your claim, if you win anything.

9. Wait for the draw – When playing in store, you’re responsible to see if you’ve won, so check the Eurojackpot results yourself.

10. Get your prize – In store players must make claims in person, since no payouts happen automatically. Claims can happen in store, at banks or by visiting a lottery office.

How to Play UK49s Lunchtime via Lottery Apps & More

Some bookmakers do have apps that make betting on games like UK49’s Lunchtime draws even more convenient. When using an app of your favourite online bookmaker, you can use the same account.

Here’s an easy user guide:

1. Pick the best app – Some apps only provide information but don’t support placing bets. If you want to bet via an app, check the functionality of the one you consider using.

2. Prepare phone Settings – On some devices you need to select ‘Allow Unknown Sources’ in ‘Device Administration’.

3. Download the app and install – Most vendors support Android and iOS.

4. Log in – You can create a new profile or use an existing one.

5. Select the game – Apps allow you to bet on various games and sports. Pick UK49’s Lunchtime from the menu.

6. Set your wager – Select all details, including market, type of game, numbers and your stake.

7. Confirm and pay – When you finalise the ticket you’ll pay with the funds in your player account.

Apps often have handy features such as allowing you to bet without using data. Thanks to your phone being with you most of the time, you’ll get notifications wherever you are, so you’ll know when you’re a UK49’s Lunchtime winner.

How to Know if You Won the UK49s Lunchtime Lottery?

Successful lottery players and gambling pros know that it’s important to stay in control of all the games you play. That includes following up on whether you’ve won, so you never accidentally miss out on a win. Here’s how you’ll know you’ve won in a UK49’s Lunchtime draw:

Method of PlayHow to Know You’ve Won
UK brick and mortar shopsCompare your receipt to the live draw results, or by using online UK49’s Lunchtime results.
Online lottery sites or bookmakersYou may get notified, but also use available online results to stay up to date with the outcome of your bets.
Bookmaker appsApp notifications keep winners up to date of results.

What Happens If You Win the UK49s Lunchtime Lottery?

If you were lucky enough to guess one or more of the UK49’s Lunchtime numbers this week, it’s time to get your cash. The procedure depends on how you play:

  • Online via bookmaker websites and lottery sites: Winnings are usually paid into your account automatically. The platform will calculate the amount owed based on your stake and the odds they offered.
  • Using an app: Winnings usually get paid to player accounts automatically.
  • Playing in store in the UK: You need to visit a betshop to claim your winnings.

Once you’re finished, don’t forget to prepare for the next game! Using maths, the new results and available UK49’s Lunchtime results history, you can approach the game strategically. With lottery strategies you can then determine which numbers are most likely to appear in the next draw!

Final Thoughts

The UK49’s Lunchtime game is such a fun game, and it stays exciting because there are so many aspects of the game you can bet on. Best of all, it happens daily so you can make your entire week’s lottery playing a little more exciting by adding this to your schedule. Also, it’s much different to what you’re used to if you’re playing Eurojackpot and Powerball – why not spice things up a bit?

Remember, you decide what you’ll wager which makes it easy to manage your lottery budget. Have fun, responsibly!

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FAQs

You can place a wager on the UK49’s Lunchtime draw by using the online services of a bookmaker. Many of the reputable vendors offer UK49’s Lunchtime as a game option. Going online is a convenient way to place your bets. In the UK you can go to a participating betting shop.

Although the game originated in the UK, today players from all over the world enjoy playing the UK49’s games, both the Teatime and Lunchtime game. Bookmakers offering online betting services make this possible. All bookmakers use the same numbers as reference – the results of the draws that take place in the UK.

The legal age to gamble in South Africa is 18. Therefore, bookmakers must ensure you’re at least 18 years of age before allowing you to play.

Bookmakers will often allow bets up until the time of the draw. However, check with the online lottery site or bookmaker you’re using so you know to place your wager on time and not lose out on a win.

Players decide how much they want to wager on each bet. Therefore, how much you spend on this game can easily be tailored to your budget.

For UK49’s Lunchtime games, you decide what numbers you think will be drawn but bookmakers also offer a Quick Pick option if you want to trust random numbers. The number range is 1 to 49 and you can pick any five numbers in that range. Tools like an online UK49’s Lunchtime predictor can make the task easier though.  

During the UK49’s draw a total of seven numbers are drawn. That includes six main numbers and a Booster Ball. However, players only pick a maximum of five numbers and you can pick fewer numbers if you want to bet less. You can even just bet one number.

UK49’s Lunchtime draws take place on a daily basis, so seven days a week. The time is scheduled for 12:49 UK time each day. Because of Daylight Savings Time being used in the UK, In South Africa, the draw is at 13:49 in months April to end October and at 14:49 during the rest of the year.

The UK doesn’t charge tax on lottery winnings. However, any South African using online lottery sites like Lotto Agent or an international bookmaker when playing UK49’s should check with a tax lawyer about how SA lottery tax laws may apply. If applicable, enquire if any tax payments are necessary on money paid into your account from abroad.

All players’ payouts depend on how much they initially wagered on the game, along with the odds they played. Bookmakers may also set a limit to how much they will pay out per game. This cap differs between vendors.

In contrast to well-known lotteries like EuroMillions and Lotto, there’s no jackpot in the UK49’s Lunchtime game. How much you wager, along with the odds offered by the bookmaker determines what the maximum prize money is that you can win. 

Online lottery sites and bookmakers make automatic payouts, so there’s no ticket expiry date. However, when playing in a store, the bookmaker’s tickets may expire. Some outlets in the UKneed you to claim within 180 days, but you need to check with the vendor you’re using.