The People’s Postcode Lottery lets people in Great Britain enter regular prize draws using their home postcode. It works differently from traditional number-based lotteries, so understanding the rules can help you decide if it suits you.
This blog post sets out who can enter, how subscriptions operate, how draws are run, and what happens if you win. It also covers draw frequency and how your chances are worked out.
Read on to learn more.
How Does the Postcode Lottery Work?
The Postcode Lottery runs on a monthly subscription model. Instead of choosing numbers, each paid entry (called a ticket) is linked to a participant’s full residential postcode.
Draws are held daily, with additional Saturday and monthly draws offering larger prizes. Winning postcodes are selected using UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-certified random-draw software.
If a postcode is drawn, everyone playing with that postcode wins the relevant prize or share. This means neighbours in the same postcode can win together if they all have active tickets.
The lottery is operated by Postcode Lottery Ltd, which is licensed and regulated by the UKGC to ensure the process is fair and transparent.
Who Can Enter the Postcode Lottery?
Participants must be 18 or over and live in Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales). Residents of Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are not eligible.
A valid residential postcode, along with your own contact and payment details, is required. Age and address checks may be carried out before a prize is paid.
You cannot play on behalf of someone else, and the number of entries per person is limited to a maximum of three tickets. Employees or contractors directly involved in operating the lottery may be excluded under company policy.
Postcode Lottery Rules on Tickets and Entries
Each ticket costs £12.25 a month and is linked to one postcode. Payments are taken in advance by Direct Debit from a UK bank account.
You can hold up to three tickets for the same or different postcodes, but each requires its own monthly payment. Only fully paid-up tickets are entered into draws.
If a payment fails or is missed, your ticket will not be entered until payment is received. Subscriptions are personal and non-transferable; once a payment has been made, it cannot be refunded.
How Are Postcode Lottery Prizes Decided?
Prize structures are announced in advance. There are daily £1,000 prizes, Saturday draws where players in a postcode share £1 million, and monthly “Postcode Millions” draws with larger prizes shared among winning postcodes.
Winners are determined by independent, certified random draws. Everyone registered with a winning postcode receives the applicable prize or share, according to the published rules. Where more people are subscribed in a postcode, the prize is divided as stated in the rules.
Draws are run under strict procedures, with independent oversight and certified systems to meet regulatory standards.
What Happens if You Win in the Postcode Lottery?
If your postcode is selected, the operator will contact you using the details on your account—usually by post, email, or phone.
Before payment, winners are verified. Proof of identity, age, and address may be requested. Prizes are usually paid into the bank account used for your subscription, although some draws may award goods or vouchers instead.
Timings and specific conditions are explained in the terms and conditions. Keeping your contact and payment details current helps avoid delays.
Postcode Lottery Rules on Payments and Subscriptions
Monthly payments are taken by Direct Debit. Each subscription covers one ticket and is tied to your chosen postcode. Multiple subscriptions are allowed, each with its own payment.
Only paid-up entries are included in draws. If a payment fails or is missed, entries are paused until payments resume.
You can cancel a subscription at any time by contacting customer support. Payments already taken are normally non-refundable, as stated in the terms.
Are There Any Restrictions on Postcode Lottery Participation?
Restrictions reflect the eligibility rules. You need to be at least 18, live in Great Britain, and register with your own residential postcode and personal details. Entries on behalf of others are not allowed. Those involved in operating the lottery may be excluded.
As mentioned earlier, you may hold up to three tickets per person. Check the terms for any additional limits or conditions.
How Often Are Postcode Lottery Draws Held?
Draws take place according to a set schedule, commonly including daily, Saturday, and monthly draws, each with its own prizes and conditions.
The calendar is published in advance on the official site and in the terms. Only entries with up-to-date payments are included in the relevant draw period.
What Are the Chances of Winning the Postcode Lottery?
Chances depend on how many eligible tickets and postcodes are included in a draw. Every paid-up ticket has the same chance of being selected.
Odds relate to tickets rather than individual numbers. Exact odds vary depending on the number of tickets in play. On average, a ticket has a better than 1 in 5 chance of winning a prize each month, but larger prizes are rarer.
Prizes are never guaranteed because outcomes are determined by random draw. The People's Postcode Lottery is a form of entertainment and should be treated as such. Please play only with money you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses.
Participation should never cause financial stress or affect your day-to-day living. If you feel your gambling may be becoming a problem, or you are concerned about someone else’s gambling, support is available through organisations such as GamCare or by calling their confidential helpline.
Remember, playing responsibly means knowing your limits and enjoying the game safely.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.