Lottery players across the UK have a monumental opportunity tonight as the National Lottery's Lotto draw reaches a critical Must Be Won event, with a staggering £31.1 million jackpot up for grabs on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
What Makes Tonight's Draw So Special?
After a series of consecutive rollovers, the rules of the game now come into play. The Lotto jackpot can only roll over a maximum of five times, making tonight's event a guaranteed payout. If no single ticket holder matches all six main numbers to claim the jackpot outright, a unique "Rolldown" mechanism will be triggered.
In this scenario, the massive £31.1 million prize fund will cascade down to players who match fewer numbers. This means that thousands of participants who match two or more main numbers will receive a significantly boosted cash prize, creating a potential windfall for many more people than in a standard draw.
Key Details for Tonight's Draws
The main Lotto draw will take place at 8:00 PM this evening. Shortly after, at 8:15 PM, the Thunderball draw will be held. The Thunderball offers a separate top prize of £500,000, which is not shared in the event of multiple winners; each successful player claims the full amount.
To participate in the Lotto, players must select six numbers from a pool of 1 to 59. Entries can be made online or at any of the tens of thousands of National Lottery retailers nationwide. Each line costs £2, and players can opt for up to seven lines on a single play slip.
What Happens Next?
All eyes will be on the results this evening. Whether one lucky individual becomes an instant multi-millionaire or thousands of players enjoy a substantial cash boost, a life-changing sum of money will be distributed. This Must Be Won event is a direct result of the game's five-rollover limit, designed to ensure the jackpot is won and to increase excitement and participation.
The outcome will be confirmed live, with the winning numbers published immediately after the draw. Players are urged to check their tickets carefully, as the Rolldown feature could turn a small match into a very significant win.
