Responsible Play
People's Postcode Lottery is committed to providing a responsible gaming environment.
Whilst the majority of individuals do gamble within their means, for some, gambling can become a problem. As part of our commitment to promoting socially responsible gambling, the following guidance is provided.
Potential indicators of a problem
Viewing gambling as a way of making money, rather than entertainment
Chasing losses or gambling to try and get out of financial trouble
Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford
Finding it hard to manage or stop gambling
Finding that gambling makes you feel anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable
Finding that gambling takes priority over work, family or personal needs and responsibilities or usual activities or hobbies
Borrowing money, selling possessions or failing to pay bills in order to fund gambling
Lying about gambling or hiding it from other people
Arguing with family or friends about money and gambling
More information about the signs of problem gambling can be found on the Gambleaware and GamCare websites.
Steps which can be taken if you are concerned that you or a loved one may have a gambling problem
If you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your own or someone else's life, then then please contact a service such as www.begambleaware.org, GamCare, or call the national gambling helpline on 0808 8020 133.
A list of organisations which provide help and advice is available at the Gambling Commission website.
If you want to have a break from gambling with People's Postcode Lottery, you can use our Self-Exclusion option. If you are considering self-exclusion, you may wish to register with GAMSTOP as well. GAMSTOP is a free service that enables you to self-exclude from certain types of online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. People's Postcode Lottery is not specifically covered by this service (as People's Postcode Lottery does not manage instant win lotteries), so GAMSTOP is not a replacement for self-excluding with us directly. However, if you wish to self-exclude from a range of other gambling organisations, GAMSTOP may be helpful. To find out more and to sign up with GAMSTOP, please visit www.gamstop.co.uk.
You may find it helpful to keep track of the time and amount spent gambling.
There are a number of third party software that can be used to restrict access to gambling sites on your PC, laptop or mobile devices. A list of these can be found at https://www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/blocking-software/.
Postcode Lottery Limited is incorporated in England and Wales and is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission (licence numbers 000-000829-N-102511 and 000-000829-R-102513). See licence status here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is self-exclusion/is self-exclusion for me?
Self-Exclusion is a formal process whereby if you feel that gambling may be impacting on your life, you request to be prevented from participating in the multiple society lottery draws managed by People's Postcode Lottery for a minimum period of at least six months. You can choose to self-exclude for up to five years.
The period of self-exclusion may, on request, be extended for one or more further periods of at least six months.
GamCare provide a self-assessment questionnaire to assess the impact that gambling is having on your life. This can be found at https://gamcare.gamtest.se/
This process should NOT be used if you simply wish to cancel or stop playing temporarily.
Can I change my mind?
You should be aware that Self-Exclusion is an irreversible process. Once you self-exclude, we will block your account and you may not apply to play again, until the Self-Exclusion period you have chosen has expired.
How long can I self-exclude for?
You can choose to self-exclude for a period of between 6 months up to five years. The period of self-exclusion may, on request, be extended for one or more further periods of at least six months. You will remain self-excluded after the end of your chosen period unless you take positive action to play again.
What if I don't choose how long I want to self-exclude for?
If you do not specify the term of your self-exclusion, we will self-exclude you for five years, and you will not be able to play again until this period has expired.
Do I need to self-exclude with other gambling providers?
When you self-exclude with us, this only applies to participation in the lotteries which People’s Postcode Lottery manage. You should therefore also self-exclude with other gambling providers.
Will I be allowed to play after the self-exclusion period?
Once the self-exclusion period has expired, your account will remain in this status unless you contact our Customer Experience Team on 0808 109 8765 to reactivate it. If, at that time, you do choose to re-commence play, your account will be subject to a further 24-hour cooling off period. We will look to interact with you to ensure playing is the best option for you.
What happens if I would like to play again?
Self-Exclusion is an irreversible process. Once you self-exclude, we will block your account and you may not apply to play again, until the Self-Exclusion period you have chosen has expired.
Can I self-exclude for someone else?
You cannot self-exclude for someone else, but should you feel that gambling is causing a problem for a friend or family member, you can contact a service such as www.begambleaware.org, GamCare, or call the national gambling helpline on 0808 8020 133.