If you're curious about how many people take part in the UK’s National Lottery, you're not the only one.
The National Lottery is a form of draw-based game where people can choose numbers in the hope they match the ones drawn. These games are a type of gambling activity regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). They’re often played for entertainment and also contribute a portion of proceeds to good causes across the UK.
This blog will take a closer look at how many people actually play these games, how often they take part, and what the most popular draws are. Whether you're completely new to the concept, or you've just never looked into the details, this guide will give you a clear and easy-to-understand breakdown, based on UK data.
How Many People Play The Lottery UK?
Data from the UKGC shows that over one-third of adults (36%) in the UK reported entering a lottery draw in the last four weeks. Of those, around 31% took part in draws run by the National Lottery.
The most commonly played National Lottery draws were Lotto (22%) and EuroMillions (21%). These are number-draw games where you pick a set of numbers and wait for a live or automated draw to reveal the winning combination.
Other National Lottery games, such as Set for Life (6%), Thunderball (4%), and the Hotpicks versions of Lotto and EuroMillions (1% each), saw lower levels of participation. These games follow slightly different rules and possible prize structures. For example, Set for Life involves a regular prize paid over a number of years, rather than a one-off amount. It may be worth checking each game’s rules before entering, as they can vary.
Gender also played a role in participation rates. Males were more likely than females to play Lotto (24% vs. 20%), EuroMillions (24% vs. 17%), Set for Life (6% vs. 5%), and Thunderball (5% vs. 3%). These figures are based on survey results from 2023 and may change over time.
How Many People Play The Lottery Each Week?
For those who play, participation frequency can vary. Among people who have entered a National Lottery game at least once, 35% reported playing weekly. These games are scheduled regularly, such as Lotto draws on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and EuroMillions on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Some participants play monthly or less often. In 2019/20, a larger study found that 25% of National Lottery players played monthly, but not weekly, while 40% took part less than once a month. Frequency of play can depend on many things, such as the potential prize size, game type, or personal choice.
It’s important to remember that these are random games of chance, which means there’s no way to predict or influence the outcome. Each draw is independent. Winnings, if any, are not guaranteed and depend on matching specific numbers according to the game’s rules.
How Many Lottery Tickets Are Sold a Day?
Although official daily ticket sale figures are not released to the public in exact numbers, industry estimates suggest that ticket sales can reach millions each week, across all National Lottery games. Daily sales can change depending on which games are available, and whether there are larger-than-usual prizes involved.
For example, generally, more people may buy tickets in the lead-up to a EuroMillions draw if the potential prize has rolled over several times. Each National Lottery game has its own schedule and structure, so the number of tickets sold for each can differ day to day.
The purchasing process is relatively straightforward, whether online or through licensed retail outlets. However, before taking part in any draw, it may be a good idea to read the terms and conditions specific to that game. These can explain how the game works, the cost per entry, and what prizes are up for grabs.
*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.
**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.