Frequently asked questions

Is your question not on the list?

If your question is different from the ones below, please contact our Supporter Services team 

on 0330 777 7777 who would be happy to help.

How can I pay to enter?

The Lottery only accepts payment by monthly direct debit.

How much will my Direct Debit be?

Every chance costs just £1.00 per draw and the amount debited will depend on the number of chances you have selected and on the number of Fridays between each payment, e.g.:

- Playing 1 chance a week with 4 Fridays between your direct debit collections will result in a £4 collection.

- Playing 1 chance a week with 5 Fridays between your direct debit collections will result in a £5 collection.

- Playing 2 chances a week with 4 Fridays between your direct debit collections will result in a £8 collection.

- Playing 2 chances a week with 5 Fridays between your direct debit collections will result in a £10 collection.

When will my Direct Debit be collected?

You can choose from the 1st or 15th of the month. Your Direct Debit will be collected on your chosen date or next working day, and a schedule will be sent to you in advance.

Is monthly Direct Debit the only option or can I pay quarterly or annually?

Yes, you can only pay monthly by direct debit.

Are my lottery payments eligible for Gift Aid?

Unfortunately, Gift Aid cannot be claimed on funds raised through the lottery.

How many numbers can I choose?

You can choose 6 numbers yourself or opt for a ‘lucky dip’ and the system will randomly select your lottery number(s).

Can I change my numbers?

Yes, you can change your numbers in the ‘manage my account’ area on the website or by contacting the team on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Will I receive confirmation?

Yes, you will receive a welcome letter via email with confirmation of your entry into the Lottery, along with your Direct Debit advance notification letter, date of first draw and your chosen lottery number(s). This will only be sent via post where no email address has been provided, or an email has been rejected.

I haven’t received confirmation of my numbers, what should I do?

You can contact our Lottery Helpline on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

How often does the draw take place?

There is a draw every week on a Friday.

How many prizes are there?

Each week you have the opportunity to win one of 8 cash prizes:

   - 1st Prize: £20,000

   - 2nd Prize: £1,000

   - Runner up prizes:

- 2 x £100

- 2 × £50

How does it work?

6 numbers between 1 and 49 are randomly selected. We will then check all of the eligible entries to see if any match the 6 or 5 numbers in any order. If all 6 numbers are matched, you will win £20,000 and if you match 5 numbers you will win £1,000. If more than one eligible entry matches, the prize pot will be split equally between each winning entry. What’s more, every week 6 lucky winners are randomly selected from all eligible entries who are guaranteed to win our runner up prizes.

How do you select the winners?

The winners will be selected electronically using a random number generator, tested and approved by a Gambling Commission certified test house.

How will I know if I've won?

Following the draw for the guaranteed prizes, you will be notified by email where possible with funds subsequently deposited directly into your bank account. In the event of an undeliverable email you will be notified by post.

1st and 2nd prize winners will be notified by telephone, and confirmation and funds will be sent via BACS transfer once the applicable eligibility checks have taken place. It is important to keep your details up to date so we know where to send any winnings.

You can make updates at any time by managing your account online. Alternatively, you can contact can contact us on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Can I check if I have won online?

Yes. Every Friday afternoon the results will be available online on the winner's page.

How soon after signing up will I be able to win?

From signing up you will be entered into the next available draw which could be between 20 and 30 working days later. This gives us time to complete the necessary administrative processes including payment verification, claiming the funds from your bank and the funds being received for the draw.

Can a person claim winnings on behalf of a deceased Player?

Yes, if the person claiming can prove to Woods Valldata and our ELM’s reasonable satisfaction, that they are entitled to make the claim on behalf of the deceased Player’s estate. You can request this by contacting the team on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Where can I see the full terms and conditions of the lottery?

You can find the full terms and conditions of the Weekly Lottery on the website here.

How do I increase or reduce my chances?

You can do this online via the ‘My account’ area, or by contacting the team on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

How do I cancel?

You can cancel your Direct Debit through your bank or contact us directly on 0330 777 7777 or by emailing info@woodsvalldata.org.uk.

I have a problem signing up online, who can help me?

You can contact our Lottery Helpline on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

I have moved address, or changed my email address who do I notify?

You can update your name, contact details, bank account details all through the ‘My account’ area on the website. Alternatively, please contact us on 0330 777 7777 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Can I still play if I live outside of Great Britain?

Unfortunately, no. Only residents of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) can play the Weekly Lottery as the licence only covers Great Britain. No entrants are permitted from other territories including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Who runs the weekly lottery?

The weekly lottery is run by Woods Valldata, and administered by Woods Group Ltd, Bumpers Way, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6NG who are our appointed External Lottery Manager (ELM).

What are the entry requirements for the Lottery?

You must be 18 years old or over and live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to enter the Weekly lottery or to claim a prize. Full terms and conditions apply and can be found on the lottery website.

I'm worried about the effects of gambling. What should I do?

If you're worried about the effects of gambling on you or someone you know, you can find information on the GambleAware website or you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. We encourage our supporters to gamble responsibly. For more information on responsible gambling, please visit the GambleAware website.

If you are gambling more than you want to, then you have the option to self-exclude yourself from future lotteries. If you would like to be excluded from future lotteries and raffles, please download, complete and return a self exclusion form to Make a Wish lottery Lansdowne House, Bumpers Way, Chippenham, Wilts, SN14 6NG. 

Alternatively, please call  0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. This exclusion will remain on record for a minimum of 6 months.

How do I self-exclude?

If you do not wish to hear about our lottery or other communications about gaming and you wish to self-exclude, please return this self exclusion form to [address].

Alternatively, please call 0330 777 7777. This exclusion will remain on record for a minimum of 6 months.

How can I make a complaint?

To make a complaint please contact our supporter service team on 0330 777 7777 open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.