Have you ever wondered what your chances are of winning the lottery? You may have heard of Set For Life, which is a game where winners receive a fixed monthly payment for years instead of a single jackpot. It sounds like an exciting opportunity, but what are the actual chances of winning?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how Set For Life works and break down the numbers behind the game. Understanding the odds can help you make informed choices and play responsibly.
You'll learn about the rules of the game and how they affect your chances of winning. Whether you play the lottery often or you’re completely new to it, knowing the odds can give you a better idea of what to potentially expect.
What Are The Chances Of Winning Set For Life?
Like all lottery games, Set For Life is a game of chance with odds set by the rules of the game. Understanding these odds can help you know what to expect when you play.
When playing Set For Life, you need to match 5 main numbers and 1 bonus ball, known as the Life Ball, to win the jackpot. The numbers are drawn from separate sets, with main numbers ranging from 1 to 47 and the Life Ball from 1 to 10, making the odds of hitting the jackpot quite challenging.
The chances of winning the top prize, which means you're able to receive a fixed monthly sum for 30 years, are 1 in 15,339,390. While this might seem like a massive number, keep in mind that smaller prizes, like matching fewer numbers, have much better odds.
For instance, if you match just the 5 main numbers without the Life Ball, your odds improve to 1 in 1,704,377. The odds of winning any prize in Set For Life are approximately 1 in 12.4; however, this doesn’t mean wins are guaranteed. These figures show how your potential chances vary depending on how many numbers you match.
Playing should always be entertaining, and as you consider your chances, remember it’s all about enjoying the experience rather than focusing solely on winning big.
How Many Numbers Do You Need To Win Anything On Set For Life?
To win a prize in Set For Life, you need to match at least two main numbers. The more numbers you match, the bigger the prize.
Here is a breakdown of what you need to match and the prizes you can win:
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Match 5 main numbers and the Life Ball: Win £10,000 every month for 30 years.
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Match 5 main numbers: Win £10,000 every month for 1 year.
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Match 4 main numbers and the Life Ball: Win £250.
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Match 4 main numbers: Win £50.
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Match 3 main numbers and the Life Ball: Win £30.
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Match 3 main numbers: Win £20.
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Match 2 main numbers and the Life Ball: Win £10.
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Match 2 main numbers: £5.
You don’t need to match every number to win, but you must match at least two main numbers to get the smallest prize. The top prize gives you a guaranteed monthly payout for 30 years, while smaller prizes give you a cash amount straight away.
This makes Set For Life different from other lottery games, as the biggest prizes are paid out over time rather than as a single lump sum.
How Many People Have Won Set For Life?
Since its launch in 2019, Set For Life has awarded its top prize to numerous winners across the UK. By mid-2023, 61 individuals had secured the top prize of £10,000 every month for 30 years.
In February 2025, two more winners matched all five main numbers plus the Life Ball, entitling each to the top prize. This brings the total number of top prize winners to at least 63.
Can You Win Set For Life More Than Once?
Winning "Set For Life" more than once is possible; however, winning more than once is rare. Because each draw is completely random, there's no limit to how many times you can win – all it takes is a valid ticket each time.
Every time you enter, your ticket has the exact same chance of winning as any other, regardless of past outcomes, meaning each ticket is a fresh opportunity at potentially winning.
Increasing your chances by buying more tickets should be approached with caution, as it's important to enjoy the game responsibly and within your financial means. Gambling should be about enjoying the experience and the excitement of the game, not just about chasing wins.
The possibility of multiple wins is certainly exciting, but it’s essential to keep a healthy perspective. Consider setting a strict budget for your play and sticking to it.
Is Set For Life Lottery Worth It?
Deciding whether Set For Life is worth playing depends on your personal circumstances and attitudes towards spending and gambling. It's important to remember that playing the lottery is a game of chance, and there are no guarantees of winning.
Consider your budget first. Make sure that any money spent on lottery tickets is what you can comfortably afford to lose.
While the appeal of a steady income for several years is tempting, think about the odds and know that winning is unlikely. Set For Life should be viewed as a form of entertainment and not as a reliable way to improve your finances.
If you decide to participate, focus on enjoying the experience. Keep in mind that the enjoyment should come from considering possibilities rather than relying on winning. Always adhere to responsible gambling practices, ensuring it's a form of entertainment rather than a financial burden or risk.
Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable lottery experience. Ensure your lottery experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.