Choosing between the Postcode Lottery and the National Lottery can seem unclear at first. Both involve paid entries with cash prizes, but they operate in different ways.
This guide explains how each lottery works, the costs involved, the odds, and the types of prizes available. Both are licensed and regulated in Britain. The aim is to present the facts so you can decide what suits you best.
How Do the Postcode Lottery and National Lottery Work?
The People’s Postcode Lottery is a subscription game linked to your postcode. You pay £12.25 per month for one ticket. This covers entry into all draws during that month. Prizes are awarded when postcodes are drawn at random. If your postcode is chosen, all players with a ticket for that postcode receive a share of the prize. You can have up to three tickets in your name.
The National Lottery includes Lotto, Thunderball, EuroMillions and Set For Life. You select numbers or request a random selection when buying a ticket. Prices range from £1 to £2.50 per line depending on the game. Draws take place on set days. Prizes depend on how many numbers match the draw. Each ticket is individual and not connected to where you live.
You can use online accounts for both lotteries to manage entries and see results. Full rules, odds and prize breakdowns are available on the official websites and at retail outlets.
If you do decide to participate in any type of lottery game, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Are the Odds of Winning in Each Lottery?
In the People’s Postcode Lottery, the odds depend on the number of tickets in play. Each month, around one in five playing postcodes wins some type of prize, based on operator data. Odds for larger events, such as the Postcode Millions draw, are much lower, and the prize is shared across all winning players in the postcode.
In the National Lottery, the odds are fixed for each game. In Lotto, the chance of matching all six main numbers is about 1 in 45,057,474. For EuroMillions, the chance of matching five numbers plus two Lucky Stars is about 1 in 139,838,160. Lower prize tiers in both games have shorter odds but return smaller prizes.
How Much Do Tickets Cost for the Postcode Lottery vs National Lottery?
A subscription to the People’s Postcode Lottery costs £12.25 per month for one ticket. This covers every draw during the month. You can hold up to three tickets in your name. Payments are usually made by direct debit.
The National Lottery charges per line for each game. Lotto costs £2 per line, EuroMillions is £2.50 per line, Thunderball is £1 per line, and Set For Life is £1.50 per line. There is no ongoing subscription unless you set one up online. You can enter whichever draws you prefer.
Postcode Lottery Prizes Compared to National Lottery Prizes
Prizes in the People’s Postcode Lottery are set amounts shared among ticket holders in the winning postcode. Monthly draws include the Postcode Millions event, which distributes a prize pot of at least £1 million. Daily prizes are smaller fixed amounts, and weekly draws can award up to £30,000 per ticket. If several players hold tickets in the same winning postcode, the prize is divided.
The National Lottery offers much higher top prizes. Lotto jackpots start at around £2 million. EuroMillions jackpots are capped at €250 million, which converts to a sterling amount depending on exchange rates. Set For Life pays £10,000 a month for 30 years for the top prize. Thunderball has a top prize of £500,000. There are also many lower prize levels across all games.
Which Lottery Pays Out More Often?
The People’s Postcode Lottery has prize announcements every day, with daily, weekly and monthly draws. Many players receive smaller prizes, while larger amounts are awarded less often and are shared across winning postcodes.
The National Lottery holds draws several times a week. Lotto runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. EuroMillions takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Thunderball is drawn four times a week, and Set For Life on Mondays and Thursdays. Because of the number of games and prize tiers, a large volume of tickets receive prizes in each draw.
The number of winning tickets is not the same as the odds for any one ticket, which remain fixed for National Lottery games.
Can You Play Both Lotteries at the Same Time?
Yes. The People’s Postcode Lottery and the National Lottery are separate. You can enter either or both. The Postcode Lottery requires a monthly subscription linked to your address. The National Lottery lets you buy individual tickets for specific draws.
If you take part in more than one lottery, you can manage how much you spend using the tools available in your account. Help and support are provided by both operators if you ever need advice.
Which Lottery Is Better Value for Money?
Value depends on your priorities. Some players prefer a set monthly subscription with regular postcode-based prizes. Others are more interested in games that offer large jackpots, even if the odds are long.
In the Postcode Lottery, your monthly fee covers entry into all draws. The prizes are more modest and are often shared within postcodes.
In the National Lottery, you pay per line and choose when to enter. The top prizes can be much larger, especially in EuroMillions, but the odds of winning them are much lower.
Both operators publish full odds, prize structures and terms. Reviewing these details could help you see how each game works before deciding which format suits your budget and expectations.
**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.
*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.