The Set For Life lottery offers a distinctive prize structure, with monthly payments made over several years rather than a single lump sum. This has captured attention across the UK, with a range of stories emerging from those who have won.
Some winners have spoken publicly about their experiences, while many prefer to keep their details private. Behind the headlines lies a question worth exploring: how many people have actually won this prize, and what can be learned from their stories?
In this blog post, we take a closer look at the number of winners and share some examples of those who have come forward.
Find out more below.
Among the various games offered by the UK’s National Lottery, one stands out for its distinctive prize format. Instead of delivering a single, upfront payout, this game offers something more structured—a monthly payment of £10,000, delivered reliably over a 30-year period to those who match all the required numbers.
There’s also a second-tier prize for those who come close: matching the five main numbers but not the Life Ball earns £10,000 a month for one year.
Entering is straightforward. Tickets can be purchased online or in-store. Players choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 47, along with one Life Ball between 1 and 10. Draws are held every Monday and Thursday evening, with ticket sales closing at 7:30 pm on the day of each draw.
While the rules are simple, the potential outcomes are anything but ordinary. The idea of receiving a monthly sum for years on end—no matter what’s happening in the wider world—has captured public imagination and sparked widespread interest in the game.
While the first-ever draw didn’t produce a top prize winner, it didn’t take long for that to change. Just a couple of months in, a special draw resulted in not one but two winners securing the game’s full prize.
Since then, numerous participants have found themselves in this rare position. While many choose to remain anonymous, a few have publicly shared their stories. Among them is James, who checked the National Lottery app one December evening in 2020 and saw his life take a new direction. Another is Vicky, a mother of two who won in August 2019 using a Lucky Dip ticket and made headlines as one of the earliest known winners.
Their stories would be the first of many, each one adding to a growing picture of how this prize has been changing people’s lives across the country.
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As of September 2025, over 95 individuals have claimed the top prize in the Set For Life lottery, receiving £10,000 a month for 30 years. This total covers winners from 2019 through mid-2025.
The number of winners varies from draw to draw. Some weeks have no top-tier winners, while others have multiple. For example, in August 2019, three players won the full prize in the same draw.
While the odds of winning the top prize remain approximately 1 in 15.3 million, the game has seen a steady number of winners over the years.
While the National Lottery does not release a full public register of winners, several individuals have chosen to share their stories publicly, providing insight into life after winning:
Set For Life has awarded monthly prizes to dozens of winners across the UK, each with their own approach to how they use it—some make big changes, while others keep things simple. The top prize remains difficult to win, with odds of 1 in 15.3 million, and outcomes vary widely.
If you choose to play, it’s important to do so within your means and for entertainment. The real stories behind the winners offer insight into what’s possible, but the game—like any lottery—should be approached with perspective.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.
**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.