A bonus number, also called an alternate number or supplementary number, is an extra number drawn
in a lotto game in addition to the main set of numbers.
There can be a single bonus number or multiple bonus numbers, depending on the game.
There are 2 basic types of bonus number games:
- When a bonus number from the same number pool as the rest of the lotto numbers is drawn
by a lottery in order to give more prize matching options.
Lotto tickets do not have a selection for the bonus number as it is matched within the main set of numbers chosen by a lotto player.
This type of game is rare in the USA, but is common in other countries.
An example is the United Kingdom National Lottery,
which has a 6/49 number field, but the lottery draws 7 numbers from 1-49.
- When a bonus number from a separate number field than the rest of the lotto numbers is drawn by a lottery.
This is a powerball type game in which a lotto player
does select the bonus number on their tickets. An
example is the USA Powerball game,
which has a regular number field of 5/55 and a bonus number
that comes from a 1/42 number field.