It’s common to have questions about how the Postcode Lottery works—especially when it comes to which postcode should be used when signing up. One area that sometimes causes confusion is whether it’s possible to enter using a postcode that doesn’t match your current address.
This blog post explains how postcode information is used by the lottery, what the official rules require, and why these details are important for both the operator and players.
If you’re thinking about joining or need to update your information, you’ll find clear answers here. Read on to learn more.
Do You Need To Live At The Postcode You Enter?
If you choose to play the People’s Postcode Lottery, the postcode you enter when signing up must be where you currently live. The lottery is designed to link potential prizes directly to players’ home addresses, so the postcode used should reflect your main place of residence.
When you register, your details are checked to confirm that the postcode provided matches your actual address. Entering a postcode for somewhere you don’t live—like a previous home or a friend’s property—goes against the rules and could affect your ability to claim any winnings.
Since prizes are awarded based on eligible postcodes, making sure your information is accurate helps keep everything running smoothly and avoids issues later on.
What Happens If You Play From A Rented Property?
If you’re interested in playing the Postcode Lottery but currently rent your home, that’s not a problem. Players are welcome to enter using the postcode of their rented property as long as it’s their main place of residence.
It’s important that your registration details are accurate. Even if you’re in temporary housing, the postcode you provide must reflect where you actually live.
If you move to a new rental, simply update your details through your online lottery account. Keeping your information up to date helps ensure that any prize notifications or other communications reach you without any issues.
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Can You Still Play Your Postcode If You Move House?
If you play the People’s Postcode Lottery and move house, you’ll need to update your account details to reflect your new address. According to the lottery’s rules, your entry should always match the postcode of where you currently live.
Once you’ve moved, continuing to play under your old postcode isn’t permitted. This helps ensure that prizes, if you’ve won, notifications, and any account updates are sent to the correct place.
If you’re not sure how to make changes, the lottery’s customer support team can walk you through the process. Keeping your details up to date helps avoid any issues later on and makes it easier to claim a prize if you win.
Do Some Postcodes Have Better Odds Than Others?
In the People’s Postcode Lottery, each entry is linked to a full postcode, and winning postcodes are selected at random from those with active players. No postcode is given an advantage based on location or the number of participants.
If a postcode is drawn and multiple players have tickets linked to it, the prize is shared between them. However, the number of entries in a postcode doesn’t affect its chance of being chosen—each eligible postcode is treated equally in the draw.
Ultimately, a player’s odds depend on having a valid ticket tied to their current and correctly registered postcode.
Postcode Lottery Rules That Players Often Get Wrong
Some rules of the People’s Postcode Lottery are commonly misunderstood by players. One of the most frequent mistakes is using a postcode that doesn’t reflect a player’s current place of residence. Entering with a friend’s address, a former home, or a property not lived in goes against the lottery’s terms.
Another area of confusion is the assumption that more tickets in the same postcode improve individual chances. While a winning postcode means all valid entries share the prize, the number of participants in that postcode doesn’t increase the likelihood of it being drawn.
It’s also not uncommon for players to forget to update their address after moving. This can cause delays or complications if claiming a prize. Additionally, some mistakenly believe only homeowners can take part when, in fact, renters are just as eligible—as long as their details are accurate and up to date.
Playing Multiple Postcodes: Is It Allowed?
If you’re thinking about entering with more than one postcode, it’s important to know that the People’s Postcode Lottery only permits entries linked to your current residential address. The rules state that your account should reflect the place where you actually live.
Using a second postcode—or entering with details from an address where you don’t reside—isn’t allowed. The lottery carries out checks to confirm personal information, and any mismatch could lead to issues with your entry or difficulty claiming a prize.
If you’ve moved house, the best approach is to update your details through your account or get in touch with customer support. Keeping your information up to date ensures your entry remains valid and that any prize communication reaches the right place.
How To Enter Postcode Lottery
If you’re interested in joining the People’s Postcode Lottery, you can sign up either online or over the phone. As part of the registration process, you’ll need to provide some basic details, such as your name, age, and your full current residential address.
When entering your postcode, it’s important to use the one linked to where you actually live at the time of joining. The system is designed to verify your details, ensuring everything is accurate and in line with the rules.
To complete your entry, you’ll need a valid payment method—usually a debit card—to cover the monthly ticket cost. Each ticket is automatically tied to your address, and once your account is set up, you’ll be entered into all relevant draws.
If your circumstances change, such as moving house, you can easily update or cancel your entry through your online account or by contacting customer support.
Following the key points outlined here helps ensure your entry is secure, fair, and compliant with UK regulations—supporting responsible play for everyone involved.
