Have you come across something called a Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher and wondered if it’s genuine? You’re not alone. Many people in the UK receive letters or emails about vouchers linked to the People’s Postcode Lottery and aren’t sure what’s real and what isn’t.
This guide explains what these vouchers are, how they usually work, and how you can verify any message or potential prize. It also highlights how to recognise possible scams and where to find official information. By the end, you’ll better understand how these non-cash prizes fit into the Postcode Lottery’s structure, how to redeem them safely, and how to keep your personal information protected.
What Is a Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher?
A Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher is a non-cash reward given to some winning players in the UK’s People’s Postcode Lottery, a subscription-based lottery regulated by the Gambling Commission. Instead of receiving money, certain winners may be given a voucher code or e-gift card.
The People’s Postcode Lottery is a draw-based game of chance. Each ticket is linked to a player’s postcode. When a winning postcode is drawn, everyone with a paid ticket registered to that postcode receives the relevant prize. The odds of winning depend on the number of tickets entered, and outcomes are random — no strategy can influence the result.
Prize vouchers come in two main forms:
- Prize Vouchers for the Lotteryshop – Winners receive a unique code to use in the official Lotteryshop. There are typically more than 30 products available, which may include cookware, books, confectionery, or small home electronics.
- E-Gift Cards – Some draws offer e-gift cards from a list of national retailers. These can usually be spent online or in store, depending on the retailer’s terms and conditions.
All items and gift cards are subject to availability, and stock may vary throughout the year. Players can check the Prize Draw Calendar on the Postcode Lottery website to see what non-cash prizes are currently available.
How Do Postcode Lottery Vouchers Work?
If your postcode is selected for a non-cash prize, you should receive either an email or a letter confirming your win. The message should include a unique voucher code and clear instructions on how to redeem it.
The process is relatively straightforward:
- Visit the Lotteryshop (the official online store).
- Enter your voucher code.
- Choose from the available products or, in eligible draws, opt for an e-gift card.
Each voucher should have an expiry date listed. Once that date passes, the code cannot be redeemed. The voucher cannot be exchanged for cash or combined with any other offers.
If you choose an e-gift card, it will be sent electronically and must be used according to the participating retailer’s terms. E-gift cards and goods cannot be transferred into cash or credit.
Remember, because draws and potential rewards change throughout the year, the available items may differ from previous promotions.
Is the Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher Genuine?
Yes. The People’s Postcode Lottery does issue genuine prize vouchers as part of its non-cash prize draws. These vouchers are legitimate and form part of the same regulated structure as the lottery’s cash prizes.
A genuine voucher notification should:
- Come directly from the People’s Postcode Lottery (either by letter or email).
- Include your name, postcode, and clear instructions on how to claim your prize.
- Direct you to the official website for redemption.
You do not need to make any payment to receive or activate a genuine prize. If a message asks for money, personal financial details, or seems unusual, it is best to verify it directly through the official contact channels on the Postcode Lottery website.
Legitimate lotteries in the UK are required by the Gambling Commission to operate transparently and to ensure fair prize allocation. The People’s Postcode Lottery meets these standards.
What Are the Common Postcode Lottery Scams to Watch Out For?
Unfortunately, some scammers may pretend to represent the People’s Postcode Lottery to try and trick individuals into sharing personal or financial information. These scams may appear by email, letter, text, or phone call.
Be cautious if you notice:
- A message claiming you’ve won when you have not entered or subscribed to the Postcode Lottery.
- Requests for fees or payments to release a prize.
- Demands for bank details, ID copies, or passwords.
- Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual sender addresses.
- Pressure to reply quickly or keep the prize a secret.
If anything looks suspicious, contact the People’s Postcode Lottery’s Customer Experience team using the contact details published on the official website, not the ones that may be provided in the message.
Genuine operators in the UK will never charge a fee to release a prize or ask for payment details unrelated to an existing account.
How to Check If a Postcode Lottery Voucher Is Real
There are a few simple ways to confirm whether your voucher or message is legitimate:
- Check the sender – Genuine emails usually come from an address ending in @postcodelottery.co.uk, and letters should display official branding and contact details.
- Cross-reference the information – Visit the official People’s Postcode Lottery website to verify draw dates and winning postcodes listed in your notification.
- Look for correct formatting and spelling – Genuine communications should be written clearly and professionally.
- Contact the lottery directly – Use the phone number or email address listed on their official site to confirm your prize.
If your notification does not match the information online, or if you have any doubts, do not share personal details. Contact the official team for clarification.
What Is the Voucher Prize on Postcode Lottery?
Voucher prizes are non-cash awards offered during certain draws. If you win one, you’ll receive a unique code that can be used in the Lotteryshop to select from various goods.
In some draws, players may receive an e-gift card instead. These can be used with major UK retailers, either online or in store, according to the retailer’s terms.
All products are offered while stocks last, and expiry dates apply to both vouchers and gift cards. Because the prize range changes throughout the year, it may be helpful to check the Postcode Lottery’s Prize Draw Calendar for the latest updates.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake Postcode Lottery Voucher
If you receive a message that looks suspicious, pause before responding. Do not click on any links, share personal details, or send money. Instead:
- Compare the details in your message with the official website.
- Use the contact details published there to confirm whether the communication is genuine.
- If it turns out to be fraudulent, report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national centre for reporting scams.
Taking these steps can help protect both your privacy and your finances.
The People’s Postcode Lottery is a legitimate subscription lottery where results are random and wins can’t be guaranteed. If you choose to play, only spend what feels comfortable and view it as entertainment, not a way to earn money. Knowing how the game works and setting personal limits can help you enjoy it responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.