What is Hotpicks?
Hotpicks is a popular lottery game offered by Camelot, the operator of the UK National Lottery. It was launched in 1997 and gives players the chance to win big cash prizes by correctly predicting the results of the main Lotto draw.
Hotpicks uses the main Lotto draw for its winning numbers. For each Hotpicks play, players must choose between 1 and 5 numbers from a possible 1 to 59. The more numbers you choose, the more it costs per play (ranging from £1 to £5). Prizes start from correctly matching just one number.
The great thing about Hotpicks is that there are fixed cash prizes for matching a certain number of the Hotpicks numbers, regardless of how many other players are also winners. This makes Hotpicks one of the UK National Lottery games which offers some of the best odds.
How to Play Hotpicks
Playing Hotpicks is nice and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
1. Decide how many numbers you want to play with. You can choose between 1 and 5 numbers per play.
2. Pick your chosen set of numbers, from 1 to 59. You can select them yourself or use a Lucky Dip.
3. Choose how many lines you want to play. You can play up to 10 lines on each play slip.
4. Select when you want to play. You can play for upcoming draws or advance play for multiple draws.
5. Take your completed play slip to your retailer or play online. Pay £1 for a 1 number line, up to £5 for a 5 number line.
6. For each winning number matched, you’ll win a set cash prize!
Hotpicks Prize Tiers
The great thing about Hotpicks is that it offers fixed cash prizes for matching a certain number of the winning Hotpicks numbers. This table shows the prizes on offer:
| Numbers Matched | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 number | £6 |
| 2 numbers | £60 |
| 3 numbers | £800 |
| 4 numbers | £13,000 |
| 5 numbers | £130,000 |
As you can see, matching all 5 numbers scores you a huge fixed prize of £130,000! The odds of winning this top prize are 1 in 834,400 – much better than in the main Lotto game.
Hotpicks Draws
The main Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday evening. The winning Lotto numbers are then used for the corresponding Hotpicks game. So Hotpicks also takes place twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday night.
The draw is conducted under tight supervision from an independent adjudicator. Lottery balls are selected randomly from the main Lotto machine to generate the 5 winning Hotpicks numbers.
Results are typically available from 9.50pm onwards on draw nights. You can check online, in-store, or in the media to find the winning numbers. Match them against your selections to see if you’re a winner!
Odds of Winning
The great thing about Hotpicks compared to most other lottery games is that the prizes are fixed. You know exactly what you’ll win if you match a certain number of the Hotpicks numbers. The only variable is how likely you are to match the winning numbers.
These are the approximate odds of winning a prize, per £1 play:
| Prize Tier | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|
| Match 1 number | 1 in 10 |
| Match 2 numbers | 1 in 85 |
| Match 3 numbers | 1 in 1,500 |
| Match 4 numbers | 1 in 35,000 |
| Match 5 numbers | 1 in 834,400 |
As you can see, lower prize tiers are more common but still give nice fixed payouts. The odds get increasingly tougher for the top prizes, but remain better than most other National Lottery games.
Jackpot Caps
Because all Hotpicks prizes are fixed cash amounts, there are no ever-rising jackpots like you find in Lotto. The prizes always stay the same.
The biggest prize in Hotpicks is £130,000 for matching all 5 winning numbers. This remains constant – it does not increment or roll over if it is not won.
This fixed £130,000 top prize puts Hotpicks in a rare category of lottery games with jackpot caps. It adds some certainty for players when it comes to the maximum payout.
Where does the money go?
As part of the UK National Lottery family, Hotpicks contributes a significant portion of its revenue to good causes. In the 2019/2020 financial year, the game raised over £52 million for National Lottery projects across the UK.
The National Lottery has so far awarded over £45 billion to more than 635,000 good causes across the UK. These include things like funding for community groups, developing facilities, protecting the environment, and promoting health and education initiatives.
When you play Hotpicks, you can feel good knowing that around 28% of the money spent goes towards this type of worthy cause. Of course you also have the chance of winning big yourself!
Playing Hotpicks
Hotpicks is one of the simpler National Lottery games to play, while still offering big jackpots and fixed cash prizes. Here are some tips for playing:
Choose your numbers wisely
Although Hotpicks numbers are randomly drawn, many players still look for little ways to make their selection ‘special’. For example, picking important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, ages or house numbers.
Others may look for patterns or avoid selecting numbers that are all odd or all even. Some analysis of number frequency in Hotpicks results is also available online. But ultimately, the numbers are all equally likely, so just pick ones that feel right for you.
Decide how many numbers to match
With the option to match between 1 and 5 numbers, your decision here affects both the cost of tickets and your chances of winning. Going for 5 numbers gives the biggest prizes but is the hardest to match. Lower number selections are easier to match and have better odds, but smaller prizes. Consider your budget and preferences.
Play online for convenience
Heading to a shop to buy Hotpicks tickets can be a hassle. Playing online via the National Lottery website or app makes entering much easier. You can set up an account, store your numbers, and even take advantage of options like Lotto Direct where numbers are entered automatically for upcoming draws.
Join a syndicate to share costs
If the £5 cost of a 5 number Hotpicks line seems steep, joining a lottery syndicate allows you to share the expense with others. You’ll get a share of any prizes won too. Either form a syndicate with friends and family, or join an existing huge online syndicate.
Take advantage of promotions
Occasionally the National Lottery runs special promotions on Hotpicks, like extra free lines or boosted prizes. Keep an eye out for these limited offers online or in retailers. They effectively give you more chances to win for the same stake.
Hotpicks Strategy Tips
While luck ultimately determines the winning Hotpicks numbers, there are some strategic tips worth knowing that can boost your chances:
Increase your number coverage
To win big in Hotpicks, you ideally want coverage of as many potential numbers as possible. The wider spread you have, the better your chances of covering the drawn numbers. This can be achieved by playing more lines and numbers per line. Or get together in a large syndicate.
Be consistent and persistent
Persistence in playing Hotpicks each week is important. If you play more often, the likelihood of matching a big prize naturally increases. Have consistency in your numbers rather than constantly changing selections each time. But an occasional Lucky Dip can add variety.
Take advantage of rollover draws
If there is no top £130,000 prize winner for a period of time, there will be more players and lines in play hoping to win the rollover. This increases your chances of being in a syndicate that wins and also the likelihood of multiple lower tier prize winners.
Consider likely patterns
Although every number between 1 and 59 has an equal chance of being drawn, some number patterns emerge more frequently than others in Hotpicks results. You may wish to include or avoid certain combinations in your selections based on these patterns.
Purchase multiple tickets
While expensive, the easiest way to amplify your chances of matching the Hotpicks numbers is buying more tickets. Having two plays matching the same numbers effectively doubles your probability of winning compared to just a single line. More tickets equals more chances to win.
Biggest Hotpicks Winners
Over the years, Hotpicks has produced some massive prize winners at the very top and bottom of the prize tiers. Here are some of the notable ones:
£130,000 jackpot winners
There have been several winners of the maximum £130,000 top prize over Hotpicks history:
– In 2000, a lucky Leicester couple snared the first ever 5 number £130,000 jackpot.
– September 2003 saw Hotpicks’ second big jackpot claimed, this time by a London taxi driver.
– A retired lorry driver from Rotherham won £130,000 in July 2009.
– In April 2018, a Manchester man landed the jackpot prize.
Biggest single prize winner
The largest ever Hotpicks prize claimed by a single ticket holder was a huge £407,040. This was won in January 2009 and comprised the £130,000 jackpot plus a further £277,040 from matching four other numbers. The lucky winner was a retired coke oven worker from South Yorkshire.
Multiple lower tier winners
As well as transforming people’s lives with the top prizes, Hotpicks has produced some notable winners of its smaller tiers too:
– In November 2004, over 600 tickets matched 4 numbers to share a prize pot of £6.9 million. Each won £13,000.
– A draw in December 2007 saw 3,655 tickets match 3 numbers, each scooping £531.
– One Hotpicks draw created 1,912 winners of £6 for matching 1 number – the minimum prize.
For regular players, the fixed Hotpicks prizes offer the potential for some big returns. Even matching just 1 number guarantees £6 back. The game has clearly made many people much wealthier over the past 25 years!
Hotpicks Compared to Other Lotteries
So how does Hotpicks stack up against other major lottery games in the UK and around the world? Here’s how it compares:
Vs UK National Lottery
– Hotpicks has better odds of lower tier prizes than Lotto, but lower potential jackpots. Lotto jackpots roll over, whereas Hotpicks has a fixed £130k cap.
– EuroMillions has astronomical jackpots topping £100 million but odds of 1 in 140 million. Hotpicks odds for top prize are vastly better at 1 in 800k.
– Hotpicks is less complex and quicker to play than Thunderball which has a draw machine and raffle element. But Thunderball has a starting jackpot of £500k which is higher.
Vs Irish Lottery
– Irish Lotto has bigger rollover jackpots but worse overall odds. It also has a bonus ‘Plus’ game similar to Hotpicks where you must match 5 numbers. But its top prize is €300k compared to Hotpicks’ £130k.
– Hotpicks has more generous prizes than Irish Lotto’s Monday Million game which has a €1 million cap. But Monday Million also has a raffle element making millionaires.
– Hotpicks has fixed prizes so is easier to understand than Irish Lotto games which have complex prize bumper systems when jackpots roll over.
Vs US Powerball
– Hotpicks jackpots are tiny compared to the hundreds of millions offered by huge American lotteries like Powerball. Powerball also has better starting prizes of $40m+ compared to Hotpicks’ £130k cap.
– But Powerball has odds around 1 in 300 million for the jackpot. Hotpicks odds of 1 in 800k are massively better in comparison.
– US lotteries involve picking 5 numbers from 69 plus a Powerball. Hotpicks is arguably simpler, needing just 5 numbers from 1 to 59.
So while it may not boast the hugest jackpots, Hotpicks holds its own when lined up against other major lotteries. For a fun, easy to play game with decent prizes, it’s a great option.
History of Hotpicks
Hotpicks has a long history stretching back to the early days of the UK National Lottery. Here are some key events and milestones from the game’s origins:
1994
The National Lottery launches with the main Lotto draw game, marking the beginning of a lottery institution across the UK.
1997
Hotpicks is introduced by Camelot as an additional National Lottery game offering fixed cash prizes rather than a rolling jackpot.
2000
The first Hotpicks £130,000 top prize jackpot is won in February 2000 by a lucky Leicester couple.
2005
Hotpicks celebrates 100 draws. The game’s initial unpopularity turns around, becoming appreciated for its good odds and prizes.
2009
A retired South Yorkshire man lands the game’s biggest ever single ticket prize of over £400,000. He matches the jackpot plus 4 other numbers.
2012
Camelot conducts a major review of all its games, leading to some tweaks to Hotpicks. Overall the game is still very similar to its original form.
2017
Hotpicks marks its 20th anniversary. Over 720 draws have taken place and the game has awarded over £665 million in prize money.
2021
National Lottery players win over £4.1 billion across all games, the highest ever annual total. Hotpicks contributes strongly amid growing success.
Today
Hotpicks continues going strong as a popular twice weekly fixture on the National Lottery roster, with its appealing jackpot cap and generous cash prizes.
Why Play Hotpicks?
There are many great reasons to give Hotpicks a go if you want a fun and rewarding National Lottery game:
Fixed prizes
Hotpicks offers guaranteed fixed cash prizes, so you know exactly what you’ll win if your numbers come up. No unpredictable ever-rising jackpots.
Better odds
Your chances of taking home a prize are better in Hotpicks across its prize tiers compared to most other National Lottery games.
Capped jackpots
While some lotteries offer hundreds of millions in jackpots, Hotpicks keeps it sensible with a £130,000 cap. This adds an element of certainty.
Prize consistency
As the prizes don’t vary with sales or rollovers, it evens the playing field and your chances of winning stay stable.
Number frequency
You can study the statistical frequency of previous winning numbers to help guide your selections and boost confidence.
Quick to play
With fixed prizes and no need for bonus balls or raffles, Hotpicks is one of the simplest National Lottery games to understand and play.
Supports good causes
As a National Lottery game, around 28% of all Hotpicks sales revenue goes towards funding thousands of UK community projects.
For fun, simplicity and generosity in prizes, Hotpicks has plenty to offer lottery players. Why not grab a ticket and be part of the action today!
Conclusion
Hotpicks is a fantastic UK lottery game that has been around for over two decades, providing players with the chance to win fixed cash prizes twice a week. Its simple match-the-numbers format makes it easy to understand while also offering solid odds compared to other lotteries.
The fixed prize structure is a real advantage, removing the uncertainty of ever-rising jackpots and giving clarity on what you stand to win. Hotpicks jackpots may not reach the astronomical heights of some overseas games, but the £130,000 cap brings a sensible ceiling for players.
Lower tier prizes are also generous in Hotpicks, especially for matching just 1 number which secures a £6 return. Regularity and persistence are key – the more you play, the better your chances of landing one of those big prize payouts.
Joining a syndicate is a great way to share the thrill and improve probabilities without breaking the bank. And you can rest assured that part of your stake goes towards worthy causes across the United Kingdom.
With over 25 years of history and more than 720 draws in the books, Hotpicks has firmly established itself as a fixture on the National Lottery roster. Its simple pick-your-own numbers format, fixed prizes and generous odds ensure continued popularity with lottery players.
For a fun, rewarding and quintessentially British lottery experience, Hotpicks is undoubtedly a top choice. Keeping selections varied, persisting over time and taking advantage of promotions all boost your chances of joining the game’s many big money winners.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hotpicks:
How much does it cost to play Hotpicks?
The cost is £1 for 1 number, up to £5 for 5 numbers when entering online or with a retail sales agent.
What days are the Hotpicks draws?
Draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday evening, straight after the main Lotto draw.
What time is the Hotpicks draw?
Draws are usually conducted around 9.50pm on both Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Can I buy Hotpicks tickets online?
Yes, Hotpicks tickets can be purchased online via the National Lottery website or official app for the same price as in retail outlets.
How long has Hotpicks been running?
Hotpicks was launched in 1997, so has been running for over 25 years as part of the UK National Lottery portfolio.
What are the odds of winning Hotpicks?
The odds range from 1 in 10 for matching 1 number up to 1 in 834,400 for matching all 5 numbers.
When is the deadline for buying Hotpicks tickets?
You can purchase Hotpicks tickets online or in store until around 7.30pm on the night of each draw.
Where does the Hotpicks money go?
Around 28% of all money spent on Hotpicks goes towards funding National Lottery projects across the UK.
Can under 18s play Hotpicks?
No, you must be aged 18 or over to buy and claim a National Lottery Hotpicks ticket.