How Many People Have Won Set For Life?

Set For Life is a popular lottery game with a unique twist. Rather than offering a single lump sum, winners of the top prize receive regular monthly payments over many years, which some players find more appealing.

If you’ve ever wondered just how many people have actually won the top prize, you’re not alone. This is a common question, especially for those curious about the odds and what winning might really look like.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from how many people have won Set For Life to how the game works and what happens if you win. Read on to get a clearer picture and understand why these details matter.


What Is Set For Life?

Set For Life is one of the games offered by the UK’s National Lottery. Unlike other lottery games that pay out a one-off jackpot, Set For Life gives winners a fixed monthly payment over 30 years.

If you’re interested in playing, you select five main numbers from 1 to 47, plus a “Life Ball” from 1 to 10. Draws happen twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.

The top potential prize pays £10,000 every month for 30 years. There are also smaller potential prizes for matching fewer numbers, as set out in the official rules.

It’s important to remember that only adults aged 18 or over, living in the UK, can enter the game.

What Are The Odds of Winning?

The odds for each prize tier in Set For Life are fixed. To win the top prize by matching all five main numbers plus the Life Ball, a player’s chances are around 1 in 15.3 million.

There are other prize levels, too. For example, matching five main numbers without the Life Ball has odds of about 1 in 1.7 million, while matching three main numbers has odds closer to 1 in 102.

You can find a full breakdown of prizes and odds on the National Lottery’s official website. If you choose to play, it’s worth noting that every ticket has the same chance of winning, no matter how you choose your numbers.

Winning any lottery game is never guaranteed, so it’s best to play with realistic expectations.

How Many People Have Won Set For Life?

Since Set For Life launched in March 2019, more than 80 people have claimed the top prize—receiving £10,000 a month for 30 years.

In addition, hundreds of players have won second-tier and third-tier prizes, with smaller payouts for matching fewer numbers. Official and up-to-date statistics on winners at every prize level are published regularly on the National Lottery website.

While major wins do happen, they remain relatively rare, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you’re considering taking part.

Has Anyone Ever Won Set For Life Twice?

To date, there have been no repeat winners of the Set For Life top prize since the game began.

Each draw is independent, so previous winners can enter again if they wish. However, given the long odds, winning twice is extremely unlikely.

Can You Take Set For Life As A Lump Sum?

If you play Set For Life and win the top prize, the payments are made as £10,000 every month for 30 years. The game does not offer a lump sum payout option for the top prize.

All prize payments follow the schedule outlined in the official rules, and winners must accept the regular monthly instalments.

What Happens If A Set For Life Winner Dies?

If a winner passes away before receiving all their payments, the remaining amount is typically paid as a lump sum to their estate. From there, the estate distributes the funds according to the person’s will or, if there isn’t one, according to inheritance laws.

Beneficiaries may need to provide proof of entitlement and complete certain legal formalities to claim the funds. If you win the top prize, you might want to consider keeping your will up to date and seek legal advice to ensure your wishes are clearly documented.

For any specific questions, contacting the National Lottery directly is always the best course of action.

Set For Life vs Lotto: Which Is Better?

Set For Life offers a top potential prize of steady monthly income paid over 30 years, while Lotto provides a top potential prize of a one-off lump sum jackpot. Both are popular National Lottery games, but they cater to different preferences.

Set For Life tends to appeal to players who prefer the idea of potentially winning regular payments, whereas Lotto appeals to those aiming for a lump sum cash prize.

Entry costs, draw schedules, and prize structures differ between the two games, so if you’re considering playing either game, your choice will depend on the type of potential prize you prefer and how you like to play.

Whichever you choose, it’s important to remember that both games are forms of gambling and should be played responsibly, within your personal limits. Approach them with a budget in mind, and never spend more than you are willing to lose.

*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.