Curious about the differences between Omaze and the National Lottery? You’re not alone. Both offer the chance to win big prizes, but their rewards, how they operate, and how you take part can be quite different.
If you’ve seen dreamy houses and luxury cars up for grabs on TV or online, you might be wondering how contests like Omaze compare to familiar lottery games such as Lotto or EuroMillions. Perhaps you want to know where your money goes, what you could actually win, and how fair these draws are in the UK.
This guide breaks down the essentials so you can see how each type of draw works before making any decisions. You’ll find a straightforward comparison of prizes, odds, and the steps involved in taking part, all tailored for a UK audience.
How Does Omaze Work Compared To A UK Lottery?
Omaze is best known in the UK for offering prize draws with luxury houses, cars, and cash. You enter by making a donation online that supports a partner charity, and for each entry your name goes into the draw. Entry prices often start at around £10. There is also a free postal entry route, and all entries are treated the same once they are in the pot. Winners are selected at random after the draw closes and the result is announced publicly.
In comparison, the UK Lottery, such as Lotto or EuroMillions, is a long-established set of games run by The National Lottery. You buy a ticket with a set of numbers, either in a shop, online, or using the official app. Winning numbers are drawn on set days using approved equipment, and prizes are paid if your numbers match.
A key difference is the prize type. Omaze typically offers specific properties, vehicles, or set cash amounts, while National Lottery games focus on cash jackpots with multiple smaller prize tiers. Both operate in the UK but under different rules and entry formats. That structure also shapes the odds, which is where the biggest contrast sits.
How Do The Odds Compare Between Omaze And The Lottery?
The odds of winning with Omaze or a UK lottery differ because each draw is structured in a different way.
With Omaze, the chance of winning depends on the total number of entries for that specific draw. There is no fixed cap on entries, so the odds change every time. If 1.5 million entries are received for a house draw, a single entry would have a 1 in 1,500,000 chance of winning the main prize. Omaze usually publishes the total number of entries after the draw, so the exact odds are not known in advance.
For the National Lottery’s Lotto game, the jackpot odds are fixed because they are based on number combinations. Matching all six balls from 59 is always 1 in 45,057,474 per line, regardless of how many tickets are sold. Other games, like EuroMillions, have their own fixed odds for the jackpot and the lower prize tiers.
So while both use random selection, Omaze draws are entry-based and variable, whereas lottery games use fixed probabilities. Costs and entry options also differ, which can affect how people choose to take part.
Entry Costs And Ticket Options Compared
With Omaze, most prize draws are entered by making a donation online. The minimum is usually around £10, and larger donations can come with more entries. There is also a free postal option if you prefer not to pay, and all valid entries are treated equally in the draw.
For the National Lottery, you buy tickets to take part. A Lotto line costs £2, while EuroMillions is £2.50 per line. Tickets can be bought in shops, online, or via the official app. Some people prefer a single line now and then, while others enter multiple lines in a particular draw.
How Much Of Your Money Goes To Charity?
When you enter an Omaze draw with a paid entry, the share that goes to the partner charity is stated in the draw terms. As of 2024, it is common to see around 80% of net proceeds donated, although the exact figure varies by draw.
For the National Lottery, a portion of every ticket supports Good Causes across the UK, including arts, sport, and community projects. Typically, around 28p from every £1 funds these initiatives. In both cases, the breakdown is published so you can see where the money goes.
How Do Prizes Compare?
Omaze is known for offering high-value, specific prizes. These can include fully furnished houses, luxury cars, and set cash sums. The headline prize is fixed from the start, and some draws also include smaller prizes for entrants.
The National Lottery focuses on cash prizes. Jackpots can roll over to larger amounts if there is no top-tier winner, especially with games like Lotto and EuroMillions. Beyond the main jackpot, there are smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers. For example, matching three Lotto numbers results in a cash payout, although far below the top prize.
While Omaze winners receive an item or a property, lottery winners receive cash. With a property prize, there can be practical considerations such as ongoing running costs, which do not apply to a cash payout. Knowing what is on offer, the next question is how winners are chosen and checked.
How Are Winners Selected And Verified?
For Omaze prize draws, winners are picked at random once entries close, with an independent party typically overseeing the selection to confirm it meets UK requirements for competitions and chance-based draws. Winners are contacted directly, usually by phone or email, and must provide proof of identity and address. High-value prizes, such as property, involve additional paperwork before transfer.
For the National Lottery, numbers are drawn using approved machines under independent observation to ensure the process is secure. If your numbers match, you claim by presenting your ticket or, for online entries, by following the digital claim route. Large prizes involve a meeting with National Lottery staff to confirm identity and complete the claims process, while smaller prizes are paid in shops or credited to your online account.
In both cases, identity checks and eligibility verification are standard to prevent fraud and make sure the prize goes to the right person.
Prize Delivery, Payments And Timeframes
After an Omaze draw, winners are contacted directly. For major prizes like a house or car, legal and administrative steps come first, such as signing property documents, handling title transfers, and completing vehicle registration. This can take several weeks, especially for property, due to the legal checks and handover required. Cash prizes are typically paid by bank transfer once verification is complete, and any smaller items are delivered as set out in the draw rules.
National Lottery payouts depend on the amount won. Smaller amounts can be paid instantly at participating retailers, while larger sums are arranged by appointment and paid by bank transfer after verification. Major prizes are usually issued within days once checks are completed, though timings vary if extra documentation is needed.
If you choose to take part in any draw, set a clear budget and stick to it. Support is available at GambleAware.org if you ever need advice. Understanding how each option works makes it easier to decide what suits you best, whether you prefer fixed-odds cash draws or one-off prize competitions.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.