In brief
The People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription charity lottery where players pay a monthly fee per ticket. The operator states that 40% of each ticket goes to prizes, with 31% to the Postcode Trust and 29% to operating expenses. The current monthly price is listed at sign up and is indicative, so check the operator's live price.
- Subscription lottery: monthly fee per ticket, each ticket enters every draw that month.
- Operator states 40% of ticket goes to prizes, 31% to Postcode Trust, 29% to expenses.
- Only playing postcodes win; chance of winning a prize averages better than 1 in 4.
Last reviewed 20 September 2026. Prices indicative; check the operator's live price.
What it is
People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription charity lottery run by Postcode Lottery Limited, an External Lottery Manager licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission (account number 829). It manages society lotteries for a range of charities and is separate from the National Lottery. Players in England, Scotland and Wales pay a monthly subscription per ticket by Direct Debit; each ticket enters every draw that month. It is not available in Northern Ireland. The operator lists the current monthly price at sign up; players can cancel at any time.
The lottery funds charities including Maggie's, NSPCC, Dogs Trust, Mind, Trussell and thousands of local projects. Lottery games are for over 18s. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours.
How it works
Each ticket is linked to a postcode. Only playing postcodes are entered, so every prize has a guaranteed winner. Winners are chosen by certified random number software with an independent adjudicator. There are 20 draws a month, usually conducted on the first Wednesday, with results announced daily. Every day, tickets in 20 postcodes win 1,000 pounds each. Every Saturday, players share 1 million pounds in the Millionaire Street prize. Every month, every ticket in one winning postcode wins 250,000 pounds. Postcode Millions draws with multi million pound prize pots run in April and December 2026.
Under the Gambling Act 2005, a single ticket cannot win more than 10% of draw proceeds up to a maximum of 500,000 pounds. The operator says the chance of a ticket winning a prize averages better than 1 in 4.
What it costs
Players pay a monthly subscription per ticket by Direct Debit. The operator lists the current monthly price at sign up. The price is indicative and can change, so check the operator's live price before paying. Each ticket enters every draw that month. Players can cancel at any time. The subscription model means the cost is recurring, not a one off payment.
The monthly price covers all draws in that month. There is no additional cost per draw. The operator states that 31% of each ticket goes to the Postcode Trust promoting the draw, 40% to prizes and 29% to operating expenses. A minimum of 30% of the ticket price goes to charity; society lotteries must by law return at least 20% of proceeds to good causes.
Where the money goes
The operator states that currently 31% of each ticket goes to the Postcode Trust promoting the draw, 40% to prizes and 29% to operating expenses. A minimum of 30% of the ticket price goes to charity. Society lotteries must by law return at least 20% of proceeds to good causes. Ticket sales in 2025 were 735 million pounds and players have raised more than 1.8 billion pounds for good causes to date.
The price is driven by the subscription model and the allocation of funds to prizes, the Postcode Trust and operating expenses. The operator sets the monthly price, which is indicative and subject to change. Check the operator's live price for the current figure.
What to check before paying
Before paying, check the operator's live price for the current monthly subscription. Confirm the percentage allocations to prizes, the Postcode Trust and operating expenses, as these are stated by the operator and can change. Check that the lottery is available in your postcode area; it is not available in Northern Ireland. Ensure you understand that each ticket enters every draw that month and that you can cancel at any time.
Also check the prize structure and draw dates, including daily 1,000 pound wins in 20 postcodes, the Saturday Millionaire Street prize, the monthly 250,000 pound postcode win, and Postcode Millions draws in April and December 2026. Remember that a single ticket cannot win more than 10% of draw proceeds up to a maximum of 500,000 pounds. The chance of winning a prize averages better than 1 in 4. Lottery games are for over 18s. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ticket cost?
Players pay a monthly subscription per ticket by Direct Debit. The operator lists the current monthly price at sign up. The price is indicative and can change, so check the operator's live price before paying. Each ticket enters every draw that month. Players can cancel at any time.
How often are draws held?
There are 20 draws a month, usually conducted on the first Wednesday, with results announced daily. Every day, tickets in 20 postcodes win 1,000 pounds each. Every Saturday, players share 1 million pounds in the Millionaire Street prize. Every month, every ticket in one winning postcode wins 250,000 pounds. Postcode Millions draws run in April and December 2026.
What are the odds of winning?
The operator says the chance of a ticket winning a prize averages better than 1 in 4. Only playing postcodes are entered, so every prize has a guaranteed winner. Winners are chosen by certified random number software with an independent adjudicator. Under the Gambling Act 2005, a single ticket cannot win more than 10% of draw proceeds up to a maximum of 500,000 pounds.
Where does the money go?
The operator states that 31% of each ticket goes to the Postcode Trust promoting the draw, 40% to prizes and 29% to operating expenses. A minimum of 30% of the ticket price goes to charity; society lotteries must by law return at least 20% of proceeds to good causes. Ticket sales in 2025 were 735 million pounds and players have raised more than 1.8 billion pounds for good causes to date.
