For one incredibly fortunate saver, April has brought a life-changing windfall. National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has announced that a Premium Bonds holder from Westminster is the latest to join the millionaires' club, having scooped the top prize of £1 million.
The winning bond, numbered 469KH607393, was purchased in September 2023, meaning the holder saw a monumental return in just seven months. This winner now stands alongside two other jackpot winners this month, each receiving a seven-figure sum.
How the Premium Bonds Lottery Works
Unlike traditional savings accounts that pay interest, Premium Bonds offer savers the chance to win tax-free prizes each month through a random draw. The entire process is overseen by NS&I's famous random number generator, affectionately known as 'Ernie'.
This month, Ernie dished out a total of over 5.9 million prizes worth more than £484 million. The prizes ranged from the coveted £1 million jackpots down to £25, with winners spread across the United Kingdom.
More Than Just Millionaires
While the £1 million prizes grab the headlines, April's draw created plenty of other winners. Three individuals from Surrey and Essex each won £100,000, while thousands more secured smaller but still welcome amounts.
The odds of any single £1 Bond winning a prize in the April draw were 21,000 to 1. For those dreaming of the jackpot, the chances are considerably slimmer, but as this Westminster winner proves, it's certainly not impossible.
Behind the Ernie Machine
The Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment (Ernie) has been generating winning numbers since 1957. The current fourth-generation machine uses quantum technology to ensure complete randomness, drawing numbers based on atmospheric noise to guarantee a fair and unpredictable outcome for all 122 million eligible Bonds.
For those checking their own Bonds, all prizes remain valid for claim for an entire year. Many winners discover their good fortune through the NS&I prize checker app, which instantly notifies holders of any wins.
This latest win serves as a reminder that for millions of Brits, Premium Bonds continue to represent one of the nation's most beloved forms of saving, combining the security of a government-backed scheme with the thrilling possibility of a life-changing win.
