Lotto and Thunderball Results: Jackpot Numbers and Prize Breakdowns for April 12, 2025

Saturday's National Lottery Brings Big Hopes, Modest Wins

If you had your eye on the Lotto results this Saturday, April 12, 2025, you weren’t alone. The National Lottery held its regular Lotto and Thunderball draws, sparking another wave of anticipation and clutching of tickets all across the UK. Plenty walked away with something, but the big dreams—£4 million from the Lotto and £500,000 from the Thunderball—slipped through everyone's fingers this week.

Thousands tuned in and crossed their fingers as the giant Lotto drum spun out this week’s winning numbers: 4, 10, 12, 22, 53, and 55, with a bonus ball of 31. But no one scooped up the top jackpot. The £4 million prize will roll over, adding fuel to next week’s frenzy and probably a fair few extra tickets at corner shops Monday morning. Even without that top winner, smaller prizes were still picked up by those matching fewer numbers, keeping the excitement alive.

The Thunderball draw, with its own loyal following, announced numbers 11, 18, 23, 24, and 35, along with Thunderball 9. No one grabbed the £500,000 jackpot, but the draw certainly wasn’t quiet: 152,373 people scored wins across various prize levels, splitting a hefty £867,874. The real standout? Three lucky ticket holders matched all five numbers and took home £5,000 each. That might not change a life, but it can pay for a pretty solid holiday, clear some debts, or treat your friends to a night out.

Another 30 players matched four numbers plus the Thunderball, landing £250 each—a not-too-shabby result for an evening’s suspense. Of course, the appeal of the Thunderball draw is its mix of accessibility and genuine winning chances, compared to the tantalizingly steep odds of the main Lotto prize. Small wins—from a fiver all the way up to £250—keep plenty coming back week after week, hoping for something bigger but content with a pocketful of hope.

Behind the scenes, every Thunderball draw has its technical quirks. Saturday’s game used Ball Set 5 and Machine Excalibur 5—details the number nerds and seasoned players might swear by for choosing their own numbers. One thing that never changes: you still need to be 18 or older and living in the UK or the Isle of Man to play. The National Lottery is quick to push responsible play, making it easier for players to set their own spending limits or reminders. If the past is anything to go by, the majority of players won’t win life-changing sums, but that doesn’t stop millions from dreaming of their turn.

What Happens Next for the National Lottery?

No jackpot on either game means rollovers and even higher stakes ahead. Retailers and lottery sites tend to see a rush of purchases following rollovers, as players eye those growing prize pots and the “What if?” gets a little louder. It’s hard to ignore the cultural pull of the Saturday night lottery draw—whether you play regularly, occasionally, or just enjoy the buzz on social media.

If you’re checking your ticket after the fact, you’re certainly not alone—a huge chunk of players opt to watch recaps or scan results online the next morning. With so many wins scattered across the prize breakdowns, from three-figure sums to small but welcome payouts, even those not holding the lucky six can find a little thrill in the ritual.

Next Saturday, chances will roll around again, and that dream—however slim—will keep millions holding out hope, week after week. The Lotto and Thunderball draws aren’t just about the money. They’re about the shared moment, the near misses, the stray pound coin turning into excitement and chatter. Who knows how the numbers will fall next time?