Description
The Health Lottery, launched in October 2011, is an independent UK national lottery. It includes12 different societies, each one licensed by the Gambling Commission and representing a different British region.
This unique structure means that every part of England, Wales and Scotland receives a share of the funds raised.
The Health Lottery has helped to make a genuine difference week after week to thousands of patients and their families across the country. It donates more than a £100m for local health causes. A figure that’s increasing all the time. More than a fifth of the ticket price helps fund health projects.
The Jackpot
It’s worth noting that, with usually a maximum £25,000 jackpot, the top prize is lower than that of some other lotteries, like the National Lottery. However, you’re a whopping 21 times more likely to win the Health Lottery jackpot than the Lotto.
How to play
How to Play the Health Lottery
Playing the Health Lottery costs a pound a line, and for each one, you just have to pick five numbers from 1 to 50. If you can’t decide or don’t have any particular lucky numbers, let the random number generator help – ask for a Quick Pick ticket or the £1 Quick Pick for online players.
Play by visiting one of the thousands of ticket retailers across the country, or play online via the Health Lottery’s website.
You can purchase entries into the next draw, or for up to five weeks ahead.
You have to be at least 16 to play, and there are five draws every week, held from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive. Results are available online or in a number of national newspapers.
What would you do with the £25K Jackpot?
The top prize in the Health Lottery is always guaranteed to be at least £25,000, or 10% of ticket sales for that particular draw (whichever is the greater.)
To win it, you have to match all five numbers drawn with ones you have chosen. This jackpot sits at the top of a sliding scale of prizes, descending in value according to how many balls are matched.
(But even if you match just one ball plus the bonus ball, you win a free ticket to play again, including entry into the Health Lottery’s next monthly Mega Raffle and a chance to win a further £250,000.)
The Health Lottery Helpline
If you are lucky enough to win the jackpot, you’ll need to contact the Health Lottery Helpline and a team member will talk you through how to claim your winnings. In fact, you need to do that for all winnings over £2,000 as an online player, and with any winnings over £250 if you’ve bought a paper ticket in a shop.
What would you do if you hit the £25,000 jackpot? New car or luxury long-haul holiday? Spending spree or paying off your mortgage? Could it help a family member or go towards a deposit on a new home?
Remember, even if you don’t win, you’ll be helping tackle health inequality across the country.