If you're new to the People's Postcode Lottery and curious about how it works, this guide is designed to help you understand its structure, costs, and what you might expect. Whether you're considering joining or simply seeking information, we'll break down the key aspects to provide clarity.
The People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription-based lottery in the UK where your postcode serves as your ticket. By paying a monthly fee, you're entered into various draws with the potential to win cash prizes. A portion of the proceeds supports charitable causes across the country.
What Is The Postcode Lottery?
Established in 2005, the People's Postcode Lottery offers a unique approach to lottery games. Instead of selecting numbers, participants play using their postcode. This community-focused model means that when a postcode wins, all players in that area who have subscribed share the prize.
How Does The Postcode Lottery Work?
Subscription: You subscribe by providing your postcode and paying a monthly fee.
Automatic Entry: Once subscribed, you're automatically entered into all relevant draws.
Draws: Draws occur regularly, and winning postcodes are selected using a Random Number Generator (RNG).
Potential Prizes: If your postcode is drawn, all subscribed players in that postcode win. The prize amount can vary depending on the draw.
How Much Is The Postcode Lottery?
As of 2025, the subscription cost is £12.25 per month for one ticket. You can choose to play with up to three tickets, with each additional ticket costing an extra £12.25 per month.
Do You Have To Live at The Address For Postcode Lottery?
Yes, you must live at the address linked to the postcode you sign up with. The People’s Postcode Lottery is only open to residents of the UK, and your entry must match your current main home address. This helps make sure that any prizes go to genuine residents of winning postcode areas.
Can You Play Postcode Lottery If You Rent?
Absolutely. Both homeowners and renters are eligible to play, provided they reside at the registered address.
How Many of My Neighbours Are In The Postcode Lottery?
The number of participants in your postcode isn't publicly disclosed. However, since prizes are shared among all subscribed players in a winning postcode, the more participants there are, the more the prize is divided.
What Are The Odds of Winning The Postcode Lottery?
In 2024, 87% of players won a prize. These included various small cash prizes and vouchers. It's important to remember that the lottery is a game of chance, and any winnings are not guaranteed.
When Is Postcode Lottery Drawn?
Draws occur daily, with different possible prize categories:
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Daily Draws: £1,000 prizes for each ticket in 20 winning postcodes.
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Saturday Draws: A £1 million prize shared among players in one winning postcode.
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Monthly Draws: Special draws like the Postcode Millions, where a large prize is shared among players in a winning postcode sector.
How Do I Check My Postcode Lottery Account?
You can check your account by logging into the official People's Postcode Lottery website. There, you can view your subscription details, payment information, and any potential winnings.
Why Do I Only Win £10 On Postcode Lottery?
Smaller prizes, such as winning £10, are part of the lottery's prize structure. While these amounts may seem modest, they are more frequent and provide regular chances to possibly win. Larger prizes are less common, due to the random nature of the draws.
How Do I Cancel The Postcode Lottery?
To cancel your subscription, you can:
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Call: Contact the Customer Experience team at 0808 109 8765.
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Online: Use the 'Request to Cancel' form available on the official website.
Ensure you have your account details ready when initiating the cancellation.
If you want more details on this subject, you can head over to our post on how to cancel your Postcode Lottery subscription.
How Many Postcodes Are In The UK Postcode Lottery?
The UK has approximately 1.8 million postcodes. However, only postcodes with active subscriptions are eligible for the People's Postcode Lottery draws.
Which Postcode Has Won The Most on Postcode Lottery?
The lottery doesn't publicly disclose which postcodes have won the most. Since draws are random, each postcode with active subscriptions has an equal chance of winning.
How Do Postcode Lottery Contact You If You Win?
Winners are notified through various methods, depending on the prize amount: 
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Email: For most prize notifications.
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SMS or Phone Call: For larger potential prizes.
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Post: For those without email addresses on file.
Ensure your contact details are up to date to receive notifications promptly.
Can You Keep Your Old Postcode Lottery If You Move?
No, if you move home, you must update your subscription with your new postcode. The People's Postcode Lottery is based on where you live, so continuing to play with your old postcode after moving would breach the rules. To stay eligible for prizes, make sure your account always reflects your current main UK address.
Remember, the People's Postcode Lottery is a game of chance. While it offers opportunities to win, it's essential to play responsibly and within your means. For support and information on responsible gambling, you can visit BeGambleAware.
*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.