The Forces Lottery FAQs
Here you'll find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you can't find the answer to your question below please call The Forces Lottery Hotline on 0870 050 5891.
What is The Forces Lottery?
The Forces Lottery is a common brand lottery jointly promoted by Sterling Management Centre and individual society lotteries.
Each Lottery operated under The Forces Lottery is a separate licensed lottery, operated by and supporting that particular good cause.
It is a way for good causes, like the RAF Benevolent Fund, to build a lottery by joining together.
Who is behind The Forces Lottery?
The Forces Lottery is administered by Sterling Management Centre who have been lottery administrators for over 30 years. They are a team of 46 experienced staff operating in Cumbria.
Which charities benefit and how much do they receive?
When you join as a player/member of The Forces Lottery through the RAF Benevolent Fund website you enter the RAF Benevolent Fund society lottery, and so all the proceeds from your entry will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund, every single week you play. A portion of the money raised covers prizes and administration costs.
Can I have more than one entry?
Yes, you can have as many entries as you'd like. Each £1 entry buys you one 'chance' of winning in our lottery.
Do I choose my own lottery numbers to play with?
Every entry into the draw is automatically allocated a unique, six-digit number. The odds of winning are fair and equal for every number. Once a number is allocated to a player it cannot be allocated again to another player.
If you would like to change your number please call The Forces Lottery hotline on 0870 050 5891. Not all numbers will be available and you cannot choose a number already allocated.
How do I pay for my entries?
You can either pay by cheque for one-off payments or by Direct Debit for recurring subscription payments.
One-off cheque payments can be made out for 13, 26 or 52 weeks for as many entries per week as you'd like. When you're nearing the end of your pre-paid subscription we'll notify you that it's running out.
Recurring Direct Debit payments can be paid monthly or every 13, 26 or 52 weeks for as many entries per week as you'd like. We'll continue taking payments on the schedule you sign up for and entering you into the weekly draws until you cancel your subscription.
Why is the price £4.34 per month when paying Direct Debit?
The monthly cost breakdown of £4.34 for playing the lottery is based on paying £1 per week over a 52 week year. Direct debits are only collected once monthly. Sometimes there will be five weeks in a month and the additional £0.34p is to build up credit to cover the fifth week on the five-week months.
Are my entries eligible for Gift Aid?
Unfortunately, as with any charity fundraising lottery, entries are not eligible for Gift Aid. We can, however, claim Gift Aid on donations. To make a one-off cash donation, please click here.
What are the odds of winning a prize?
The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 69.
How do I find out if I have won?
All winning members will be forwarded their prizes automatically by post each week directly following the draw. The winning numbers will also be available on The Forces Lottery winner's hotline and The Forces Lottery website.
How do I claim a prize?
When you enter our lottery we ask for your address so that we can send you your prize if you win. Prizes are sent out automatically after every draw, so there is no need to make a claim. You can check winning number results online or by calling our hotline on 0870 050 5891 and speaking to a member of the team if you have any queries regarding a prize you may have won.
How do I cancel?
You can cancel your membership by contacting The Forces Lottery either by telephone on 0870 050 5891 or by email - please click here.
How are the lottery proceeds used and what are the odds of winning a prize?
RAF Benevolent Fund receives a minimum of 66% of all proceeds from the lottery, which is spent on our work to support the RAF Family. 14% of lottery proceeds is spent on prizes and 19% on expenses. Figures based on averages in 2019
There is a 1 in 63 chance of winning a prize in the Forces Lottery every week (accurate as of July 2020).
Can you guarantee the lottery is fair?
Yes, every £1 entry has an equal chance of winning, and the winning number is drawn at random.
Is the lottery legal?
Yes, we operate in compliance with all Gambling Commission (the UK regulatory body concerned with lotteries) requirements and the lottery is administered by a certified External Lottery Manager. For further information please see our Terms & Conditions.
What is the minimum age requirement to enter?
You must be over the age of 16 to enter the lottery.
I need some advice on the effects of gambling. Can you help?
Please view our Responsible Gambling information page. If, after viewing this information, you feel you need further help you should seek professional advice.
To speak to someone about a gambling problem contact the Gamble Aware confidential helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit their website www.gambleaware.co.uk for further information.
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
Please find The Forces Lottery's details below.
The Forces Lottery
Sterling Management Centre Ltd
Furness Gate
Peter Green Way
Furness Business Park
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria LA14 2PE
Telephone: 0870 050 5891 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm)