You might have seen the adverts for People’s Postcode Lottery, with neighbours winning together based on the postcode where they live. It sounds simple, but if you’re thinking about joining, you might wonder just how important your address really is.
Maybe you’ve recently moved, or perhaps you’re using an old address for some post. You could even be curious what happens if you have more than one place you sometimes stay. It can feel a bit confusing trying to work out if your ticket needs to match where you actually live at the moment.
In this blog post, you’ll find clear answers. We’ll break down what details you must give, why your address matters, and how it can affect any winnings. Read on to understand how it all works before you decide to play.
What Is The Postcode Lottery And How Does It Work?
The People’s Postcode Lottery is a subscription draw that runs throughout Great Britain. Instead of choosing numbers, entries are linked to postal addresses. You buy a ticket tied to your postcode and, if that postcode is drawn, everyone with an active ticket for it wins a prize.
Each ticket covers you for draws in that month, and payment is usually taken by monthly Direct Debit. Unless you cancel, your entry renews automatically. A portion of every ticket goes to charity, and the draws are run under rules set by the Gambling Commission to keep things fair.
Because the postcode is central to how prizes are awarded, the address you register really does matter. So, does it need to be where you live right now?
Do You Have To Live At Your Address To Enter The Postcode Lottery?
Yes. You’re expected to use your current residential address, as prizes are linked to real postcodes and winners must be verifiable. Using the place where you actually live helps make sure any prize can be confirmed and paid without delays.
If you enter with an address you don’t live at, problems can arise. If your postcode is drawn and your details cannot be matched to that address, you may not be able to claim. Checks are in place to confirm winners are genuine.
Temporary accommodation, such as student halls or short-term lets, can be used if that is your main residence at the time you join. Your name should be linked to the address for identification, for example by receiving post there or having official documents that show it.
If you move after joining, update your details with the lottery. Keeping your information accurate makes communication easier and helps avoid issues if a prize needs to be processed.
Which Documents Prove Your Address For The Postcode Lottery?
When you sign up, you may be asked to confirm you live at the address you provide. This is a standard check used across the UK to make sure prizes go to the right people.
Common examples include a recent utility bill for gas, electricity, or water, usually dated within the past three months. Council tax bills from the current year and bank statements that show your name and address are also widely accepted. A UK driving licence can work too, provided it shows your current address.
Whatever you send needs to show your full name, the address you registered with, and a recent date. If you submit it online, a clear photo or scan is usually fine. If you’re unsure what counts as acceptable proof, contact the People’s Postcode Lottery for the latest guidance.
If more than one person at your home wants to play, how does that work in practice?
Can Someone Else Use Your Address To Enter The Postcode Lottery?
Someone else can enter using your address if they actually live there. Cohabitants, such as family members or housemates, can hold their own tickets linked to the same postcode. The key point is that each person’s details must be genuine and match where they live.
Simply knowing an address or having permission to use it is not enough. If a prize needs to be paid, the lottery may ask the claimant to show they are genuinely connected to that address. That could involve recent official post or similar evidence in their name. Using an address where you do not live can lead to claims being refused.
If you are thinking about using a different address for any reason, check the current terms directly with the lottery before entering.
Can You Enter If You Rent Or Use A Holiday Address?
If you rent your home, you can enter using that address. Being a tenant does not affect your eligibility. What matters is that you live there and can confirm it with suitable documents, such as a tenancy agreement or a recent utility bill in your name.
Holiday homes and short-term stays are different. You should only use a holiday address if it is genuinely your main place of residence for that period. As a guide, a cottage you visit for a week or two each year would not usually count as your main address.
If you spend significant time at a second property and it is your main residence for that time, you may be able to use it, provided you can receive post there or show other proof that links you to that address. If in doubt, ask the lottery to confirm what they accept.
With the address rules clear, what happens when a prize needs to be paid?
How Does Address Verification Work For Winners?
If your entry is selected, the lottery will confirm your details before paying any prize. This protects players and prevents fraudulent claims. You may be asked to provide documents to confirm your name and the address you registered.
As covered earlier, suitable proof typically includes a recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill, or a driving licence that shows your current address. If the documents you submit do not match your registered details, or you cannot show that you live at the address on the ticket, the prize may not be released.
If you move, make sure you update your records so everything remains accurate for any future win.
What Happens If You Move After Buying A Ticket?
If you move house after signing up, your ticket remains linked to the postcode you originally registered until you update your details. Any win during that time would relate to the old postcode, and you could still claim if your subscription is active and payments are up to date. You may, however, be asked to confirm your connection to that old address, especially if you moved some time ago.
To keep things simple, let the lottery know as soon as you change address. Your future entries can then be linked to your new postcode. This helps ensure prize notifications reach you, and it avoids any back-and-forth about proof if your postcode is drawn later on.
In short, use the address where you live, keep your details current, and you’ll make the whole process smoother from sign-up to any potential payout.
**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.