Frequently asked questions

Find the answer to the most commonly asked questions

What is The Forces Lottery?

The Forces Lottery is a common brand lottery jointly promoted by Sterling Management Centre and individual society lotteries. Each Lottery operated under The Forces Lottery is a separate licensed lottery, operated by and supporting that particular good cause. It is a way for good causes, like Combat Stress and Seafarers UK, to build a lottery by joining together.

Who is behind The Forces Lottery?

The Forces Lottery is administered by Sterling Management Centre who have been lottery administrators for over 30 years. They are a team of over 40 experienced staff operating in Cumbria.

Can I have more than one entry?

Yes, you can have as many entries as you’d like up to a maximum of 20 per week (unless a cause has specified a lesser amount).

Each £1 entry buys you one ‘chance’ of winning in our lottery.

Can I chose my own lottery number to play with?

Every entry into the draw is automatically allocated a unique, six-digit number. The odds of winning are fair and equal for every number. Once a number is allocated to a player it cannot be allocated again to another player.

How can I pay for my chances

You can either pay by cheque for one-off payments or by Direct Debit for recurring subscription payments.

One-off cheque payments can be made out for 13, 26 or 52 weeks for as many entries per week as you’d like. When you’re nearing the end of your pre-paid subscription we’ll notify you that it’s running out.

Recurring Direct Debit payments can be paid monthly or every 13, 26 or 52 weeks for as many entries per week as you’d like. We’ll continue taking payments on the schedule you sign up for and entering you into the weekly draws until you cancel your subscription.

Why is the price £4.34 per month when paying Direct Debit?

The monthly cost breakdown of £4.34 for playing the lottery is based on paying £1 per week over a 52 week year. Direct debits are only collected once monthly. Sometimes there will be five weeks in a month and the additional £0.34p is to build up credit to cover the fifth week on the five-week months.

What are the odds of winning a prize?

The odds of winning each prize are as follows:

  • £10,000 - 1 in 1,000,000.
  • £500 1 in 18,518.
  • £20 - 1 in 823.
  • £5 - 1 in 69.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 63.

How will I know if I've won?

All winning members will be forwarded their prizes automatically by post each week directly following the draw. The winning numbers will also be available on The Forces Lottery hotline and The Forces Lottery website.

How do I claim a prize?

When you enter our lottery we ask for your address so that we can send you your prize if you win. Prizes are sent out automatically after every draw, so there is no need to make a claim. You can check winning number results online or by calling our hotline on 0370 050 5891, and speak to someone if you have any queries regarding a prize you may have won.

How do I cancel?

You can cancel your membership by contacting The Forces Lottery by telephone on 0370 050 5891.

Can you guarantee the lottery is fair?

Yes, every £1 entry has an equal chance of winning, and the winning number is drawn at random.

Is the lottery legal?

Yes, we operate in compliance with all Gambling Commission (the UK regulatory body concered with lotteries) requirements and the lottery is administered by a certified External Lottery Manager. For further information please see our Terms & Conditions.

What is the minimum age requirement to enter?

You must be over the age of 16 (or 18 if so determined by the Society) to enter the lottery.

I need some advice on the effects of gambling. Can you help?

Please view our Responsible Gambling information page and read our Self Exclusion policy. If, after viewing this information, you feel you need further help you should seek professional advice.

To speak to someone about a gambling problem contact the Gamble Aware confidential helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit their website www.begambleaware.org for further information.

Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

You can get in touch via our contact form or you can write to us using the details below:

The Forces LotterySterling Management Centre LtdFurness GatePeter Green WayFurnessBusinessParkBarrow-in-FurnessCumbriaLA14 2PE

Telephone: 0370 050 5891 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)Email: info@theforceslottery.co.uk

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