Set For Life offers a different take on the traditional lottery, with a prize that’s paid monthly rather than as a one-off lump sum. It’s a game that’s garnered attention across the UK—but how many people have actually won the top prize?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how the game works, how many players have won, and share some of the real stories from those who’ve gone public with their wins.
Whether you’re curious about the odds or just interested in learning more, you’ll find some of the key details right here.

Set For Life is one of the UK National Lottery’s more distinctive games. Rather than offering a one-off jackpot, it gives winners the chance to receive £10,000 every month for 30 years—a prize that sets it apart from traditional draws.
If you decide to play, you’ll choose five numbers between 1 and 47, along with a Life Ball from 1 to 10. You can buy tickets online or in shops, and the draws take place twice a week—on Mondays and Thursdays.
To be in with a chance, make sure to purchase your ticket before 7:30pm on the day of the draw.
Winning requires matching all five of your chosen numbers plus the Life Ball in a single draw. Doing so secures the top prize: £10,000 per month for the next three decades.
If you match fewer numbers, there are still chances to win, with various fixed cash prizes available. Even matching just two main numbers could see you walk away with a small reward.
The Set For Life game has celebrated many top-tier winners since it first launched. By the middle of 2023, 61 people in the UK had successfully claimed the grand prize—each set to receive a steady monthly payout for 30 years.
It’s interesting to note that the number of winners isn’t spread evenly across the draws. Occasionally, more than one person has claimed the top prize from the same draw.
Play Slots & Online Casino Games
The National Lottery doesn’t make the full list of Set For Life winners public, but several individuals have chosen to tell their stories. Here are a few who have shared how the prize has affected them:
If you’re interested in how winning works and what you could win for different results, read on for a full prize breakdown.
Set For Life is different from other National Lottery games, mainly because of its prize setup. As mentioned earlier, the top winner gets £10,000 each month for 30 years, while whoever matches five main numbers (but not the Life Ball) pockets £10,000 a month for one year.
Other prize tiers offer set, one-off cash rewards. The odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 12.4, while matching all numbers (including the Life Ball) has odds of roughly 1 in 15.3 million.
Here’s what each winning combination unlocks:
Knowing how these prizes are structured, and the chances at each level, can help you make an informed decision if you’re thinking about joining a draw.
If you do choose to participate, always keep responsible gambling practices in mind and never spend more than you are willing to lose.
Set For Life winnings give you a regular income, and this might be beneficial for a mortgage application. However, as the income isn’t from employment, some lenders may have specific policies about it. It’s wise to speak with a mortgage advisor to discuss your options before making plans.
If a winner passes away before all payments have been made, the rest of the winnings aren’t lost. The National Lottery pays the outstanding balance as a lump sum to the winner’s estate. This ensures families can benefit from a remaining prize.
You can’t give your Set For Life monthly payments to someone else during your lifetime. As noted in the previous answer, any remaining funds can be inherited if the winner dies.
Regular monthly payments are the standard for this prize. However, if the winner dies with payments left, those are then paid out as a single amount to their next of kin.
There are no rules preventing someone from winning more than once. Every draw is independent, so even though the odds are long, it is possible to win again if your numbers are drawn.
*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.