Set For Life is a popular annuity-style game offered by the UK National Lottery. Unlike traditional lottery games that pay out a lump sum, Set For Life offers a unique top potential prize: £10,000 every month for 30 years, providing winners with regular payments rather than a one-time windfall.
But what happens if you don’t match all the numbers? Is there a prize for getting just two right? In this Wizard Slots blog post, we’ll explore how the Set For Life prize structure works, from the jackpot all the way down to the smaller prizes. We’ll also answer some common questions about how the game is played and what your odds are at each prize tier.
Set For Life Prizes Breakdown
Set For Life is a unique UK National Lottery game that first launched in 2019. It stands out from traditional lottery formats by offering regular monthly payments as its top potential prize, instead of a single cash prize. Draws take place twice a week, every Monday and Thursday. Since its launch, more than 50 players have won the top prize of £10,000 a month for 30 years.
The game features eight prize tiers, each offering a different potential reward based on how many numbers a player matches. Here’s a breakdown of what players can win:
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Match 5 main numbers + the Life Ball: £10,000 every month for 30 years
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Match 5 main numbers: £10,000 every month for 1 year
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Match 4 main numbers + the Life Ball: £250
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Match 4 main numbers: £50
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Match 3 main numbers + the Life Ball: £30
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Match 3 main numbers: £20
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Match 2 main numbers + the Life Ball: £10
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Match 2 main numbers: £5
This structure means there are a range of potential prizes available, giving players multiple chances to try and win something even if they don’t hit the jackpot.
Do You Get Anything For 2 Numbers?
Yes, in Set For Life, matching 2 main numbers will earn you a £5 prize. While this is the lowest prize tier available, it still provides a small return.
However, it’s important to understand how the number combinations work. To win any prize in Set For Life, you need to match a certain number of main numbers—which are drawn from a pool of 1 to 47—and in some tiers, the Life Ball, drawn from a separate pool of 1 to 10. Matching 2 main numbers is the minimum requirement for a cash prize.
If you match only 1 main number and the Life Ball, it may seem like you’ve hit two numbers, but this specific combination does not qualify for a payout. The Life Ball only contributes to a prize when it’s matched alongside at least two or more main numbers. So, while the Life Ball plays a role in the higher prize tiers, it doesn’t have any standalone value without enough main numbers to support it.
Understanding these distinctions can help manage expectations and make the game easier to follow when checking results.
Can You Win Set For Life Twice?
While the odds of winning the Set For Life jackpot are extremely low, it is technically possible to win it more than once. There are no rules in place that prevent a previous winner from playing again or from claiming the top prize a second time if they happen to beat the odds again.
So far, there are no confirmed reports of anyone winning Set For Life twice. However, because some winners choose to remain anonymous, it’s difficult to say for certain whether a repeat win has already occurred. It’s certainly within the realm of possibility, even if highly unlikely.
To put it into perspective, the odds of winning the top Set For Life prize once are around 1 in 15.3 million. That means the chances of winning it twice are astronomically small—but not impossible.
As always, it’s important to play responsibly and remember that lottery games are a form of entertainment, not a financial strategy.
If You Win Set For Life Can You Take a Lump Sum?
Set For Life clearly outlines its terms and conditions, including how prizes are paid. A common question from players is whether it’s possible to take the top Set For Life prize as a lump sum instead of receiving monthly payments.
Set For Life is designed as an annuity-style lottery, which means the top two prizes are structured to be paid to winners in regular instalments. While some winners may prefer a one-off lump sum, the game’s rules do not offer this option under normal circumstances.
Payments are made in instalments as standard. The only exceptions occur in specific situations, such as if prize capping is applied (to ensure prize limits aren’t exceeded) or if the winner passes away before the full annuity term is completed. In those cases, alternative arrangements may be made in line with the lottery’s terms and conditions.
As with any form of gambling, it’s important to play responsibly, set limits, and view lottery games as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed way to make money.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.
**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.