Lottery Direct Debits
Setting up a Direct Debit to play your favourite National Lottery games is a great way to ensure you never miss a draw and your numbers will always be safe. It effectively works like a lottery subscription, as you will automatically receive tickets for your selected draws in exchange for paying the entry costs every month.
How to Set Up a Lottery Direct Debit
You can set up a National Lottery Direct Debit online. You just need a bank account so that payments can be taken once a month. There is no additional charge for using this service - the cost of playing by Direct Debit is the same as if you purchased your tickets in-store or online. Here are the steps to get started:
- Choose your game – Lotto, EuroMillions and Thunderball are all available by Direct Debit
- Pick your own numbers or opt for a Lucky Dip if you want a new random set for each draw
- Decide on your draw days for your preferred game
- Select to enter continuously by Direct Debit
- Provide your payment details – the name on your card, account number and sort code
You can have multiple play slips on the go by Direct Debit if you want to enter different games or several sets of numbers. Once the Direct Debit registration is complete, your numbers will be automatically entered on an ongoing basis. Payments will continue to be taken every month unless you notify the National Lottery that you wish to stop and for your Direct Debit to be cancelled.
How to Change Your Direct Debit Lottery Numbers Online
If you want to know how to change your Direct Debit lottery numbers online, you just need to go to your lottery account and delete your play slip. You then have to create a new one with the numbers you would like to play.
The numbers from the deleted play slip will continue to be entered for the remaining draws that have already been paid for. Any changes that you make will then be able to take effect from the time that the next monthly payment is activated.
You can make other changes too, such as changing the draw days you play, adding or removing lines. The rules remain the same - old lines will still be entered into any remaining draws that have already been paid for, with the new ticket coming into force when the old one has finished.
You also have a responsibility to inform the National Lottery if there are significant changes - for example if your name or address needs updating. If a payment can’t be taken because there are not sufficient funds in your account, your Direct Debit will be cancelled.
Direct Debit Prizes
If you win a prize playing by Direct Debit, you will be automatically notified by email in the same way as if you take part online. Any prizes of up to £50,000 are paid straight into your bank account.
If you are a Lotto Direct Debit player and win a free Lucky Dip, you will be given a free entry into the next draw. You will also be given the opportunity to choose whether you want future Lucky Dips to be entered into the next Wednesday or Saturday draw.
For a prize of more than £50,000, you will have to contact the National Lottery on 0333 234 44 33 to make arrangements to claim the money in person.
Health Lottery Direct Debit
You can also play the Health Lottery continuously by Direct Debit so that you will be entered into every draw. If you win a prize of up to £2,000, it will be paid straight into your bank account, while for larger awards you will have to contact the Health Lottery directly. Go to the Health Lottery page to find more information about how to play the game and claim prizes.