Thinking about joining the People’s Postcode Lottery, but feeling unclear about the address rules? You might have seen the adverts, or heard friends talk about it, yet the details can feel a bit tricky if you’re new to the world of lotteries.
This guide breaks down how the People’s Postcode Lottery works, what you pay, and, importantly, how your address affects your entry. You’ll also learn how your involvement helps UK charities.
Do You Have To Live at The Address For Postcode Lottery?
When entering the People’s Postcode Lottery, the address linked to your entry plays a key role. Each ticket is tied to a specific postcode, and only those who have paid to play using that postcode are included in any prize draws for it.
To enter, you must use a residential UK address where you regularly receive post. This is usually your main home. It should not be a second property, a holiday home, or an address where you do not live. The address is used to confirm your entry and match it to the correct postcode in the draw.
It doesn’t matter whether you own your home, rent it, or live in shared housing. You can still enter as long as the postcode on your ticket matches the address where you live. More than one person living at the same address can take part, but each person will need their own ticket.
If you move home, it’s important to let the Postcode Lottery know. This helps make sure your entry stays up to date and that you can still receive any potential prizes that may apply to your new postcode.
The People’s Postcode Lottery is a type of lottery, which is a random draw-based game. That means all outcomes are based on chance. There is no guaranteed way to win, and any prizes depend on your postcode being selected in a draw.
The cost to enter is £12.25 a month, and this includes entry into all draws scheduled for that period. At least 30% of the ticket price is donated to various charities and local projects across the UK. The maximum a single ticket can win is capped at 10% of the draw proceeds, up to £500,000.
Lotteries like this one are run under strict rules and regulations. These are in place to keep the games fair and safe. Before taking part, it may be worth reading the terms and conditions to better understand how the game works and what you might expect.
If you choose to take part, it’s important to play responsibly. Only spend what you can afford to lose, and don’t see lottery games as a way to make money. Help is available if gambling ever stops being enjoyable.
What Happens If You Move House?
If you take part in the People’s Postcode Lottery and move to a new address, it’s important to update your details. Your entry is based on the postcode linked to your account, so if it still shows your old address, your ticket may stay entered under that postcode.
You can update your address online, by phone or through the post. Once it’s updated, your ticket will be entered under your new postcode.
Until your details are changed, your ticket stays linked to your previous address.
Lotteries are random games of chance, so outcomes can’t be predicted. If you have any questions, it may be a good idea to check the terms and conditions or contact customer support.
Entering Different Postcodes: Is It Allowed?
Each Postcode Lottery entry must be tied to your main residential address. Using the postcode of somewhere you do not live—like a friend’s or a second property—is against the rules.
The lottery checks all entries to make sure people play fairly and only with genuine UK addresses. If your details don’t match, entries or any potential prizes could be cancelled.
If you ever want to enter a lottery using your postcode, stick to your actual address to avoid issues. To see the full list of rules or for extra peace of mind, take a look at the terms and conditions.
Key Things to Know for Renters
You don’t have to own your home to play. If you rent, just use the postcode for your current rented property. This links your entry to the correct area for draws and potential prizes.
Each flatmate or tenant can buy their own separate ticket for the same address, and all tickets are treated individually for prize purposes. Any winnings are shared per ticket, not per household.
If you move to another rental, remember to update your details as explained earlier. This keeps your ticket valid for your new home, so you never miss out on a potential win.
Can You Play Multiple Postcodes?
The rules only allow your entry (or entries, if you buy more than one ticket) to be connected to your main home postcode. You cannot sign up with different postcodes for multiple addresses.
Buying extra tickets? They must all be linked to the same place where you live.
This approach ensures the game supports communities fairly, as mentioned under the address rule section.
How to Join and Play the Postcode Lottery
Signing up is straightforward. You can register online, by phone, or by post. You’ll need your name, main home address, and payment details.
Tickets are paid monthly, currently at £12.25 each. Each one is linked directly to your home postcode and counts for all draws that month. You can have more than one ticket if you wish, but always at the same postcode.
If your postcode is drawn, every active ticket holder at that address wins a share of the prize pot. Exact amounts are listed for each draw by the lottery.
Remember, as explained earlier, all draws are random, and playing should always fit what you can afford. If in doubt, the Postcode Lottery’s terms and support team can help answer any questions.
With these rules in mind, you’ll be well prepared if you decide to take part. Good luck, and always keep your entry details up to date to take part with confidence.
