Health Lottery Prizes: All You Need to Know About Winnings
If you decide to take part in The Health Lottery, it’s natural to wonder about the prizes and what happens if you win. Understanding the basics can make the process clearer and help set realistic expectations.
In this blog post, we explain how prizes are calculated, how winnings are paid, who is eligible to claim them, the tax implications in the UK, and what happens to prizes that go unclaimed.
Read on to find out more.
What Are Health Lottery Prizes and How Do They Work?
In The Health Lottery’s “The Big Win”, prizes are awarded when a player’s numbers match those drawn. Each draw includes five main numbers and a Bonus Ball. Matching more numbers usually corresponds to higher prize tiers, with the top tier requiring all five main numbers.
Draws are conducted at random, and every valid entry is treated equally. There is no guaranteed method to influence the outcome.
At this stage, it is worth noting that the number of matches determines what you might receive, though the exact amounts are explained in the next section.
How Much Can You Win in Health Lottery Prizes?
The amount you might win depends on how many of the five main numbers—and sometimes the Bonus Ball—you match. For the main draw (now called “The Big Win”), the prize tiers are as follows:
- Match 5 of the main numbers—£25,000 (jackpot)
- Match 4 main numbers + Bonus Ball—£10,000
- Match 4 main numbers—£300
- Match 3 main numbers + Bonus Ball—£50
- Match 3 main numbers—£10
- Match 2 main numbers + Bonus Ball—£5
- Match 2 main numbers—Free ticket (i.e., a free entry to a future draw)
- Match 1 main number + Bonus Ball—Free ticket
Note that free tickets awarded as prizes must be used within 180 days of issue, or they will expire and become invalid.
The jackpot (£25,000) does not roll over. That amount is fixed for every draw—though if more than one person wins the jackpot, the prize fund is shared between the winners.
If you enter a Big Win draw on a Wednesday or Saturday, each £1 line you play is automatically entered into a separate Free Prize Draw (called a Superdraw) for the chance to win an additional £100,000. On 12 Saturdays each year, this jackpot is increased to £250,000 for a Megadraw. These draws are separate from The Big Win’s regular prizes.
How Are Health Lottery Winnings Paid Out?
If you have bought a ticket online or via Direct Debit and win, winnings up to £2,000 are automatically credited to your online wallet. From there, you may transfer the funds to your bank account at any time.
If your winnings are £2,000 or more, you will need to complete a simple prize claim form. To do this, contact The Health Lottery Helpline on 0330 390 2289 (calls are charged at your local rate). The Helpline team will guide you through the process, help arrange collection of your prize and provide any additional information you might need. Please allow up to 14 working days for the claim to be processed and for the funds to reach your bank account.
For tickets purchased at participating retailers, prizes of up to £50 may be collected directly from the shop where the ticket was bought. If your winnings exceed £50, you will need to contact The Health Lottery Helpline for assistance. The team will support you in arranging prize collection and provide guidance on the claim process.
To make claiming your prize easier, ensure your account details are up to date and keep any paper tickets secure until your winnings have been collected or credited.
As always, it is important to play responsibly. Only spend what you might reasonably afford, treat playing the Health Lottery as a form of entertainment, and if you win anything, ensure all prize claims are handled carefully and securely.
Who Is Eligible to Claim Health Lottery Prizes?
Claimants must be at least 18 years old. Online account holders need to ensure their details match those provided at the time of entry, while shop-bought tickets require the original printed ticket. Proof of identity or age may be requested, particularly for higher-value claims.
Winning residents of the UK, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands can generally claim prizes, provided they meet the Health Lottery’s verification requirements. These checks help ensure prizes are awarded to the correct individual without unnecessary delay.
How Do Taxes Affect Health Lottery Winnings in the UK?
In the UK, Health Lottery prizes are not taxed. The amount you win is the amount you receive. However, if that money is later placed in a savings account or invested, any interest or returns may be subject to normal tax rules.
For example, interest earned in a savings account counts towards the Personal Savings Allowance, but the prize itself remains untaxed. This explains why knowing the payout method matters.
How Long Do You Have to Claim a Health Lottery Prize?
There is generally a 180-day period from the draw date to make a claim. After this period, unclaimed prizes are no longer payable to the original ticket holder. Checking results promptly and keeping tickets secure helps ensure you do not miss the deadline.
For online players, results and potential winnings are typically displayed in the account, making it easier to track the relevant timeframes.
What Happens If a Health Lottery Prize Goes Unclaimed?
If a prize is not claimed within the time limit, it is removed from the original ticket holder. Unclaimed funds are then managed according to the Health Lottery’s rules, often being directed to designated good causes.
If you choose to participate, it is sensible to set limits, take breaks, and keep play occasional. Should gambling begin to affect your well-being or finances, independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential support.
Prize amounts, odds, and rules can change. Always check the official Health Lottery website for the most current information before playing.
That covers the essentials, from how prizes work to what happens if they go unclaimed, so you can make informed choices before participating.
*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.
