Set For Life is a unique lottery game that stands out due to its annuity-style prize structure. Unlike traditional lotteries that offer a one-time lump sum, Set For Life winners of the top prize receive £10,000 every month for 30 years, totaling £3.6 million. This structure makes it an attractive option for those dreaming of long-term financial security, whether for paying off mortgages, funding education, or enjoying regular treats.
Since its inception on March 18, 2019, Set For Life has created numerous winners, with the National Lottery reporting over 7,400 millionaires across all its games since 1994. The game also contributes to good causes, raising over £4 million daily for various UK initiatives.
How to Play
Playing Set For Life is straightforward:
Ticket Cost: Each line costs £1.50.
Number Selection: Choose 5 main numbers from 1 to 47 and 1 Life Ball from 1 to 10. Alternatively, opt for a Lucky Dip for randomly selected numbers.
Draw Days: Draws occur every Monday and Thursday at 8pm.
Purchase Options: Tickets can be bought online at The National Lottery website or at approximately 45,000 National Lottery retailers. Online play is available from 6am to 11pm daily, with a cutoff of 7:30pm on draw days.
Advance Play: Players can enter up to 4 weeks in advance, selecting specific draw days using an ON/OFF button for each day.
Prize Structure
Set For Life offers eight prize tiers, ensuring multiple ways to win. The following table outlines the prizes based on the number of matches:
The top prize is tax-free in most cases, with the National Lottery ensuring winners receive at least £10,000 monthly after tax, based on current UK tax rules. Winners are also offered a meeting with a financial advisor to discuss tax implications and financial planning.
Latest Draw Results
The most recent Set For Life draw took place on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The winning numbers were:
Main Numbers: 11, 17, 26, 29, 47Life Ball: 6
Prize Breakdown
The July 17, 2025, draw saw no winners of the top prize (£10,000 every month for 30 years), but it still distributed significant prizes across other tiers. The breakdown is as follows:
This draw highlights the game’s broad appeal, with nearly 200,000 winners sharing a prize fund of over £1.4 million. To check the latest results or past draws, visit The National Lottery Results or use the National Lottery app, which provides instant updates from around 9:30pm on draw days.
Meet the Winners
The stories of Set For Life winners offer a glimpse into the life-changing impact of the game. Below are three recent winners who have shared their experiences:
Sandra Hall Location: Stoke Prize: £10,000 every month for 30 years
Story: Sandra Hall, a 61-year-old professional carer with 19 years of experience, won the top prize in 2025. Her first thought was to share her windfall with her loved ones. She bought a new van for her fiancée, John, a 59-year-old farmer, and plans to fund home improvements for her sister and mother. For herself, Sandra is treating herself to a hot tub, which she plans to engrave with her winning numbers as a reminder of her luck. Her story, shared on The National Lottery Winners, reflects her caring nature and newfound ability to enjoy personal luxuries.
Joanne Jobson Location: Hartlepool Prize: £10,000 every month for 30 years
Story: Joanne, another carer, discovered her win on February 22, 2024, after receiving a message from The National Lottery. Initially doubting the news, she confirmed her win via the claim line and shared the excitement with her colleagues during a lively work shift. Joanne plans to treat her family and take time for relaxation, as detailed on The National Lottery Winners. Her story underscores the emotional impact of such a win.
Mystery Man from Hertfordshire (Mr. G)
Location: Hertfordshire Prize: £10,000 every month for 30 years
Story: Known only as Mr. G, this winner claimed the top prize in the February 29, 2024, draw via a Lucky Dip on the National Lottery app. He plans to buy a new car, a new house, and treat his family, as reported by The Comet. Choosing partial publicity, Mr. G represents the many winners who prefer privacy while enjoying their winnings.
These stories illustrate the diverse ways winners use their prizes, from supporting family to fulfilling personal dreams. The National Lottery notes that over 8 million players win weekly across its games, with Set For Life contributing significantly to this number.
Tips for Playing Set For Life
While Set For Life is a game of chance, with odds of winning any prize at approximately 12.4 to 1, the following tips can enhance your experience and ensure responsible play:
Choose Your Numbers Wisely
Players can select numbers with personal significance (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries) or opt for a Lucky Dip. Since all numbers have an equal chance of being drawn, there’s no statistical advantage to either method. The choice depends on personal preference.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to spend on lottery tickets and stick to it. Treat the lottery as entertainment, not a financial strategy. The National Lottery offers tools to set spending limits and receive reminders to stay in control.
Check Your Tickets Promptly
Always check your tickets after each draw, as prizes must be claimed within 180 days. Use the National Lottery website, app, or visit a retailer to verify results. Winnings up to £500 are automatically credited to online accounts.
What to Do If You Win
For physical tickets, sign the back and keep it safe. Contact The National Lottery to claim your prize. For larger wins, such as the top prize, consider consulting a financial advisor to manage your newfound wealth. The National Lottery provides free financial advice sessions for top prize winners.
Play Responsibly
The National Lottery emphasizes healthy play habits, offering tools like spending limits, reminders, and time-out options. Visit The National Lottery Responsible Play for more information.
The Broader Impact of Set For Life
Beyond individual wins, Set For Life contributes to the National Lottery’s mission to support good causes. Approximately 25% of ticket sales go to initiatives like community projects, sports, arts, and heritage, raising over £4 million daily. Since 1994, the National Lottery has created over 7,400 millionaires and funded countless community efforts, making every ticket purchase a contribution to society.
Set For Life offers an exciting opportunity to win a life-changing prize with its unique annuity structure. With draws every Monday and Thursday, a variety of prize tiers, and inspiring winner stories, it’s a game that appeals to both casual players and those dreaming of long-term financial security. Whether you’re inspired by Sandra Hall’s hot tub plans or Mr. G’s dream of a new home, Set For Life provides a chance to turn dreams into reality. Just remember to play responsibly, check your tickets, and enjoy the thrill of the game.
For the latest results, winner stories, or to play, visit The National Lottery. Good luck, and may your numbers set you for life!
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