Dream Number is a rather unique lottery game for three reasons. First, it gives players a randomly selected seven digit number instead of requiring them to pick their own numbers. Second, it requires a player to get their numbers picked in the right order for them to win a prize. And third, 28% of the ticket price (28p from every £1) goes directly towards the fund for the London Olympics in 2012. Dream number replaced Lotto Extra in July 2006.

Our step-by-step guide to playing Dream Number is as follows:

Step 1 – Complete Your Play Slip

Despite the fact that you don’t get to choose your own numbers when playing the Dream Number game, you will still need to submit a play slip. You can either mark the “Enter this Dream Number” option that can be found on a standard Lotto play slip or you can use a separate Dream Number play slip. The latter is the best choice if you only want to play this particular game or if you want to enter several Dream Number lines in a given draw. As with other lottery play slips, you can choose to enter the same line for up to eight consecutive draws.

Step 2 – Obtain Your Ticket

When you have completed your play slip, take it to the lottery retailer and pay the required amount. Each entry costs £1, so you need to multiply this amount by the number of entries and the number of weeks you want to play for. The retailer will then give you your ticket, and because this ticket alone entitles the holder to claim any prize it wins, you should keep it safe at all times.

Step 3 – Check Your Ticket

After the draw has taken place, check the numbers that have been selected against your own Dream Number(s). To win a prize in this game it is important that your numbers are drawn in the right order.

For example, if your Dream Number is 3768945 and the first number drawn is a 3 then you are already on the winning trail, but if the first number drawn is not a three then you lose automatically. The top prize is paid to anyone who matches all seven digits in order, and other prize tiers pay out for fewer matches, as follows:

Step 4 – Make Your Claim

If you have won a prize then you will need to claim it within 180 days of the Dream Number draw taking place. Small prizes can generally be claimed from your usual lottery retailer, and prizes of up to £10,000 can be claimed from a National Lottery Post Office. Prizes of £10,000 or more must be claimed from a National Lottery Regional Centre and claims for £50,000 or £500,000 must be made directly to Camelot by calling the telephone number shown on the back of your ticket.