Extensive Guide to UK 49's Online Play

Lottery Guru’s in-depth guide of the UK’s popular 49's lotto game.

As part of our quest to help connect you with the best value lottery games worldwide, we’ve spent hours playing UK 49's on various platforms, trying different wagers and bet types.

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What is UK 49's?

49's is a UK based lottery game owned and operated by a consortium of bookmakers through Satellite Information Services. This company transmits live television and games into most UK betting shops.

49's was launched in 1999 to provide an alternative means for people in the UK to enjoy participating in lottery style games, without buying a ticket for official lottery games.

Today, 49's is available to players worldwide, and is particularly popular in South Africa as well as in the UK.

How does UK 49's work?

The 49's draw itself follows the traditional “6 from 49” format employed by various global lotteries.

Each draw sees seven numbers - six main numbers and a bonus ball - drawn.

However, we’ll learn in the next section, playing the game is anything but traditional! The main thing to know is that you’re betting on the outcome of the 49's draw, rather than on the draw itself.

This means that instead of playing for a prize pool spread across a jackpot and various prize tiers, as you would with a traditional lottery, you’re choosing specific bets at odds provided by a bookmaker.

To get started with 49's, you will need to do the following:

• Sign-up for an account with an online bookmaker that offers 49's.( UK bookmakers / SA bookmakers )
• Choose the type of bet you wish to place.
• Place your stake and confirm your bet.
• Wait and see if you’ve won!

How to Play UK 49's

Because you’re betting on the outcome of 49's rather than 49's itself, you can generally stake as little or as much as you wish.

However, most bookmakers apply stake and payout limits to 49's. It is advisable to check limits before placing a bet.

Although they only usually start to apply if you’re looking to wager significant sums of money against longer odds, as bookmakers want to limit their liabilities in the event that you win.

Straight

Choose up to six numbers from 1 to 49.

You will also have the option of choosing whether your bet requires you to match all your chosen numbers from just the six main numbers, or from the six main numbers plus the Bonus Ball.

Including the Bonus Ball reduces the odds bookmakers will offer you by around one-third.

As with a traditional lottery, you also have the option of playing with a Lucky Dip, where your numbers are chosen at random.

Straight plus Bonus Ball

Choose up to four numbers from 1 to 49, plus the Bonus Ball number. This differs from a regular Straight bet and offers better odds as you’re specifically betting on what the Bonus Ball will be in addition to your other selections, rather than on any of your choices matching the Bonus Ball.

Combination

Choose up to 14 numbers from 1 to 49, then choose the specific type of bet you wish to place. For example, if you choose 14 numbers as single bets and a stake of £1 per number, your total stake will be £14. Other bet types available are double, treble, four-fold and five-fold. Playing a Combination can massively increase your chances of winning, but look out for the cost of your total stake!

Unlucky Numbers

Choose up to 12 numbers, and bet that they won’t be drawn.

First Number Drawn

Bet specifically on the first number that will be drawn in the next 49's draw, from 1 to 49.

Total Value of the Main Six Drawn Numbers

Bet on the total value of the six main numbers. Bookmakers typically provide various number ranges and attach odds specifically to each.

First Number Drawn Odd or Even

Bet on whether the first number drawn will be odd or even.

Colour of First Ball Drawn

Bet on the colour of the first ball drawn.

In 49's, each ball is assigned a colour, as detailed in the table below.

HiLo

Bet on whether each individual ball drawn will have a value of under 25 or of 25 and over.

While you can bet on up to all six main balls being higher or lower than 25, accumulators aren’t available so the odds are generally capped at a fairly low level.

Some bookmakers also offer Over/Under bets, where you can bet on the lowest and highest numbers being over or under a specific value.

Odd/Even

Bet on whether each individual ball drawn will be an odd or even number.

While you can bet on all six main balls being odd or even, accumulators aren’t available so the odds are generally capped at a fairly low level.

Some bookmakers also allow you to bet on:

• Whether there will be more odd or even balls drawn
• There being both three odd and three even numbers drawn
• The specific amount of odd or even balls that will be drawn
• All the numbers drawn being odd or even
• Whether the highest or lowest numbers drawn will be odd or even
• Whether the sum of the highest and lowest numbers drawn will be odd or even
• Whether the difference between the lowest and highest numbers drawn will be odd or even

Divisible Numbers

Bet on whether at least one or two balls drawn will be divisible by a specific number.

As bookmakers obviously want the odds to lean in their favour, you’ll usually find the options are to bet on the balls drawn being divisible by 9 or 12.

Specific Number to be Drawn

Bet on whether a specific number will be drawn during 49's.

Bonus Ball Number

Bet specifically on what Bonus Ball number will be drawn, from 1 to 49.

Bonus Ball HiLo

Bet on whether the Bonus Ball will have a value of under 25 or of 25 and over.

Bonus Ball Odd or Even

Bet on whether the Bonus Ball will be an odd or even number.

Bonus Ball a Single Digit

Bet on whether the Bonus Ball will be a single digit number.

Bonus Ball Colour

Bet on the colour of the Bonus Ball number.

In 49's, each ball is assigned a colour, as detailed in the table below.

Look out for Specials

Some bookmakers occasionally offer “Specials” bets, where you can get attractive odds for specific bets and bet combinations offered by the bookmaker in question.

What time is the 49's draw?

There are two 49's draws each day, giving you plenty of opportunities to win significant sums of money. Draws take place every day, including Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

A lunchtime draw takes place at 12:49 UK time, with an evening draw held at 17:49 UK time. 

Draws are broadcast live by Satellite Information Services in participating betting shops, with results published on the official 49's website and on participating bookmaker websites after the completion of each draw.

You can buy tickets up to 15 minutes before each draw.

Is Advance Play available?

Not in the traditional sense that it is with many lottery games, where you can play the same numbers and bet for multiple draws at a time. This is because bookmakers require you to bet individually on each specific outcome and 49's game.

However, bookmakers do allow you to bet on future draws. Some allow you to bet on 49's draws happening in the next few days, while others allow you to bet on 49's draws happening three to four weeks in the future.

How much money can I win?

With UK 49's you can win anything from small sums of money up to millions of pounds. It depends on several variables, including:

• The type of bet
• The odds
• The stake

Each bookmaker has own stake or payout limits. If you’re playing 49's online, all bookmakers will show you what your prize will be once you have chosen your bet and added your stake.

If you’re not happy with the prize on offer, you’ll have the chance to change your bet or stake before confirming your bet.

Hot and Cold Numbers

While all numbers have an equal probability of being drawn at the start of each 49's draw, significant differences in the number of times certain numbers have been drawn have developed through the years.

Depending on the type of bet you want to play, you might find it beneficial to consult the Hot (most common) and Cold (least common) numbers drawn during the lifespan of the 49's game.

To make it easier for you to choose bets and selections based on 49's’ Hot and Cold numbers, we’ve included these on this page containing everything you need to know about 49's.

What are the odds on UK 49's?

The odds you’ll get on 49's depend on the bookmaker with which you play, as well as on the specific bets you choose.

We recommend you look at all the bookmakers available in your location, and choose those that offer the best odds based on the bets you want to place. You may end up placing bets with different bookmakers if you want to play 49's in different ways, but that doesn’t matter if it means you can maximise your winnings!

Where can I get the best 49's odds in UK?

Comparison of 49's odds from UK bookmakers for placing Straight bets to match the relevant number of balls, without the Bonus Ball counting.

Best 49's odds in United Kingdom

Where can I play 49's in UK?

While there is an official 49's website and various other websites that advertise 49's, you can only play the game at participating bookmakers, either online or at physical betting shop locations.

UK bookmakers where you can play 49's

In the UK, you can play 49's at the following bookmakers:

• Bet365
• Betfred
• Ladbrokes
• William Hill
• Coral
• YesPlay
• BoyleSports
• SkyBet
• Paddy Power

How to play 49's online in the UK

The overview of specific types of bet you can place at each bookmaker in UK.

Bet365

At Bet365, you can place the following 49's bets:

• Straight
• Combination
• First Number Drawn
• Total Value of Main Six Balls
• First Number Drawn Odd or Even
• HiLo
• Odd/Even
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball Colour

Betfred

At Betfred, you can place the following 49's bets:

• Straight
• Combination
• Odd/Even
• Total Value of Main Six Balls
• First Number Drawn Odd or Even
• Colour of First Ball Drawn
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball Odd or Even

Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes only offers Straight bets on 49's, and you can only choose a maximum of five numbers. (ladbrokes)

William Hill

William Hill only offers Straight bets on 49's, and you can only choose a maximum of five numbers. (willhill)

Coral

Coral only offers Straight bets on 49's, and you can only choose a maximum of five numbers. (coral)

YesPlay

YesPlay offers the most comprehensive list of 49's bet types, giving you the chance to play the following:

• Straight
• Straight plus Bonus Ball
• Unlucky Numbers
• HiLo
• Odd/Even
• Divisible Numbers
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball HiLo
• Bonus Ball Odd or Even
• Bonus Ball a Single Digit

BoyleSports

BoyleSports offers Straight and Combination bets on 49's.

You can choose up to five numbers for a Straight bet or up to eight numbers for a Combination bet.

SkyBet

At SkyBet, you can place the following 49's bets:

• First Number Drawn
• Total Value of the Main Six Balls
• First Number Drawn Odd or Even
• Specific Number to be Drawn
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball Colour

Paddy Power

Paddy Power only offers Straight bets on 49's, and you can only choose a maximum of five numbers.

Where can I get the best UK 49's odds in South Africa?

Comparison of UK 49's odds from South African bookmakers.

Best UK 49's odds in South Africa

Where can I play UK 49's in South Africa?

If you’re based in South Africa, you can play 49's at participating bookmakers, either online or at physical betting shop locations.

South Africa bookmakers where you can play UK 49's

In South Africa, you can play 49's at the following bookmakers:

• Bet.co.za
• Betway
• Hollywoodbeds
• YesPlay
• VegasBets
• Interbet
• Betolimp
• BetWay
• YesPlay
• Hollywoodbets
• VegasBets
• Supabets
• Morris Vee
• Gbets
• Scorebet
• SportsBet
• World Sports Betting
• betting WORLD
• SoccerShop
• KayaMoola

How to play UK 49's online in the South Africa

The overview of specific types of bet you can place at each bookmaker in South Africa.

KayaMoola

When you play 49's at KayaMoola, you play in the same way as you would a traditional 6 from 49 lottery game. You must pick six numbers, and various prizes are on offer.

VegasBets

At VegasBets, you can place the following 49's bets:

• Straight (up to four numbers only)
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball HiLo

BetWay

At BetWay, you can place the following 49's bets:

• Straight
• Straight plus Bonus Ball
• Combination
• HiLo
• Odd/Even
• Bonus Ball HiLo
• Bonus Ball Odd or Even
• Bonus Ball a Single Digit

YesPlay

As in the UK, YesPlay offers the most comprehensive list of 49's bet types, giving you the chance to play the following:

• Straight
• Straight plus Bonus Ball
• Unlucky Numbers
• HiLo
• Odd/Even
• Divisible Numbers
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball HiLo
• Bonus Ball Odd or Even
• Bonus Ball a Single Digit

Hollywoodbets

At Hollywoodbets, you can place the following 49's bets:

• Straight
• Bonus Ball Number
• Bonus Ball HiLo
• Bonus Ball Colour

How do odds work?

Depending on the bookmaker where you play 49's, you may see the odds displayed in fractional or decimal format. If you’re an experienced bettor playing online and prefer one format over the other, you will be able to change the display format of odds in the settings from your online bookmaker account.

If you’re new to 49's or betting in general, read on for a brief explainer as to what different odds specify and, most importantly, how they impact your winnings.

How do fractional odds work?

Fractional odds is the traditional way of displaying odds in the UK. As 49's is a UK-based game, we’ve included fractional odds in our tables throughout this guide.

When you see fractional odds, you will see numbers like 3/1 and 13/2.

If you feel like it looks like a maths equation, that’s exactly what you need to do to calculate what you can win.

So, if the odds are 3/1, the equation you need to complete is 3, divided by 1, multiplied by your stake. The result is what you win.

The following example shows us what you’d win if you staked £10 on a 3/1 bet: 3 divided by 1 = 3. £10 stake x 3 = £30.

While you win £30, you get your stake back, too. So, in the example above, your total return would be £40 (£30 + £10 stake).

How do decimal odds work?

Decimal odds are arguably simpler to understand than fractional odds, as you only need to complete one calculation.

If the decimal odds are 4.0, and you have a stake of £10, this means you’ll get £40 if you win.

As you might have noticed, that’s the same payout as the earlier equation, meaning that odds of 3/1 and 4.0 are the same.

Why are the odds different at bookmakers for the same game with the same probability of winning?

Bookmakers all have their reasons for the odds they offer their customers.

Generally, bookmakers who offer shorter odds are earning lower profit margins on those bets. However, their thinking is that if you sign-up for an account, you’ll go on to bet a significant amount of money with them in future, so they’re happy to sacrifice margin now to profit in the long term.

As a player, you can maximise your winnings by playing 49's with the bookmakers offering the best odds on your preferred bet types.

What fees and commissions apply to 49's?

It depends where you live.

In both the United Kingdom and South Africa, there is no taxation on gambling winnings, nor do bookmakers take fees or commissions from your winnings. They make enough money from unsuccessful bets, so don’t need to take your winnings from you!

If you’re playing 49's from another country, you should check you’re aware of your local laws around how to declare your 49's winnings and pay any applicable taxes.

Are there any 49's discounts and bonuses I can take advantage of?

Not specifically related to 49's itself.

However, if you’re signing up for a new account with an online bookmaker, there may be specific bonuses that you’re able to take advantage of based on your initial deposit. Note that bonuses are generally paid as free bets, and some bookmakers will specify that qualifying bets for bonuses must be on certain events and above a certain level of odds.

How do I get my 49's winnings?

If you’re playing 49's with an online bookmaker, your winnings will be paid into your online account. Once the cash is showing in your bookmaker’s account, you’ll be able to bet on other 49's games or any other events and games offered by the bookmaker. You’ll also be able to withdraw your winnings in accordance with the respective bookmaker’s terms and conditions.

If you play 49's in a physical betting shop location, you can claim your winnings as soon as the result has been verified. Depending on the specific betting shop and how much you’ve won, you will usually be able to receive your winnings in cash, subject to any payment limits or restrictions on cash in the premises. Some bookmakers allow you to bet in physical locations and have winnings paid to your online account with them via a betting card.

Can I play 49's via mobile app?

Yes, subject to it being available with your selected bookmaker on their own mobile apps.

All of the UK bookmakers that offer 49's have mobile apps available from iTunes or the Google Play app stores.

What 49's alternatives are available?

The most closely related and widely available game similar to 49's is Irish Lotto.

Irish Lotto is available from most UK bookmakers as well as with selected bookmakers from around the world. As with 49's, different bookmakers offer different types of bets and odds, with lots of flexibility around how you play the game.

The main difference between Irish Lotto and 49's is that there are three Irish Lotto draws each day, rather than two.

Who are the 49's presenters?

49's is presented by six different presenters: Gina, Harriet, Helen, Kirstie, Sophie and Tony.

You can meet the presenters and learn a little about them, including their favourite numbers and 49's bets, on the official 49's website.