Lottery FAQs

Please find some frequently asked questions about the Guts UK Weekly Lottery. If you can’t see an answer to your question, please contact fundraising@gutscharity.org.uk. 

How does the Guts UK Weekly Lottery work? 

The Guts UK Weekly Lottery is run by our lottery partner, Unity Lottery, and once your direct debit or payment has been processed, you will receive a 6-digit lottery number for each ticket purchased. You will be entered into the weekly Lottery every Friday. The winning numbers are chosen at random. 

Entries for the weekly Lottery are £1 per entry, and you can have up to twenty entries per draw, giving you even more chances to win one of the amazing prizes. 

If you win, you will be notified and prizes are sent directly to you, meaning there is no need to check your numbers and claim your prize. 

Why is Guts UK running a Lottery? 

The Guts UK Weekly Lottery is a simple way for people to support our work while having the chance to win cash prizes. 

Every entry played helps us to raise vital funds to support research into digestive conditions, provide trusted information, raise awareness, and help us continue supporting people affected by digestive conditions and symptoms across the UK. 

What are the Terms and Conditions? 

The lottery rules are available here: Guts UK Weekly Lottery Rules

The purpose of these rules is to ensure you are informed about the terms of playing our lottery and to promote responsible gambling. 

What is Unity Lottery? 

Unity Lottery is a lottery platform which charities of all shapes and sizes use to run their own fundraising lotteries. The Unity Lottery platform is administered by Sterling Management Centre Limited, a licensed External Lottery Manager (ELM) by the Gambling Commission. 

Why am I receiving letters from Unity Lottery and not Guts UK? 

As all of the lottery administration is handled by Sterling Management Centre Limited, who provide the Unity Lottery platform, all lottery communications come from Unity. 

How can Guts UK offer these prizes? 

Unity Lottery is a platform that combines lotteries for a number of different charities, not just the Guts UK lottery. Your entry is combined with entries from other charities that means Unity are able to offer larger prizes from a combined pot.  

How much does Guts UK benefit from my £1 lottery ticket? 

For each £1 entry, we receive 50% (50p) to support our vital work. The remaining 50% is used to contribute to the prize pot and Unity Lottery’s administrative costs. 

Is there an age restriction for entering the Draw? 

Yes, you must be 18 years old to participate in the Guts UK Lottery. 

I have some favourite numbers, can I select my own lottery numbers? 

You can’t select your own lottery numbers. When you enter the draw, you will be issued a unique 6-digit number. These are chosen at random and this will be your number combination(s) for as long as you play the Guts UK Weekly Lottery. 

Why is my direct debit more than £4 per month? 

Each month, for every £1 entry, you will be charged £4.34. This is based on paying £1 per week for 52 weeks. 

Your direct debit will be collected monthly. Some months will have four weeks and others will have five weeks. The remaining 34p will be built up to cover a five-week month. 

How will I know if I am in the draw? 

Within 21 days of signing up, you will be sent a confirmation letter which includes your 6-digit unique number. This will also include the date when your entry will first be included in the draw. 

It can take up to 21 days because it is necessary to complete several administrative processes which include verifying your payment details with your bank, claiming the funds from your bank account and the funds being received. 

How will I know if I have won? 

Once the draw has taken place, winners are notified by Unity by email or post. There is no need to claim your prize as this is sent straight to you. If you match 4 digits or more, you will be sent your winnings automatically, either directly into your bank (if playing via direct debit) or via a cheque sent in the post. 

If you match 3 digits, you will be sent an email to confirm your win and your temporary 5 prize entry lottery numbers for the following week’s draw. 

I have lost my numbers – what should I do? 

If you want to check your lottery numbers, you can contact the Unity helpline team on 0370 050 9240 (Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) calls are charged at your local rate. 

How do I cancel my weekly lottery entry? 

You can cancel your entry at any time. If you want to cancel your lottery membership, please contact the Unity helpline team on 0370 050 9240 (Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) calls are charged at your local rate.  

I have moved address or my name has changed, do I need to tell anyone? 

Yes. If you have changed your address, it is important that you notify us, otherwise, we won’t be able to send you your winning cheque. To inform us of an address change, please contact the Unity hotline team on 0370 050 9240 (Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) calls are charged at your local rate. 

Can you claim Gift Aid on my weekly lottery entry? 

No, unfortunately the funds collected via the sale of a lottery entry do not qualify for Gift Aid. 

What are the odds of winning the Guts UK Lottery? 

Each £1 entry has a 1 in 63 chance of winning one of four fantastic prizes.  

Every entry has an equal chance of winning, no matter which charity is being supported or how many players that good cause has in their lottery. 

I have concerns regarding gambling, what should I do? 

If you have any concerns about gambling, either for yourself or friends or family, please contact Be Gambling Aware. Contact their confidential helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org. 

How do I make a complaint? 

If you have any concerns, please get in touch with Unity on 0370 050 9240 (lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and calls are charged at your local rate) or via e-mail at info@unitylottery.co.uk. They will endeavor to answer any queries you may have.  

Full details of the complaints process can be found in The Rules.  

Can I support Guts UK in other ways? 

Absolutely. There are lots of ways you can support Guts UK, from taking on a fundraising challenge and supporting us through your workplace, to making a one-off or regular donation. 

As a small charity, every bit of support makes a real difference and helps us continue funding research, raising awareness and supporting people affected by digestive conditions and symptoms. 

To find out more ways to support us, visit gutscharity.org.uk/support-us. If helpful to contact our fundraising team directly, please email fundraising@gutscharity.org.uk.