If you've ever spotted adverts for flash homes or big cash jackpots and thought about taking part in the draw, you're not alone. More and more UK residents are showing interest in prize draws offered by companies like Omaze, as well as traditional games such as The National Lottery.
But what actually sets these prize draws apart? Is there a difference in how they work, who can enter, or what you could win? It can get a bit confusing, especially if you’re new to the idea or haven’t looked into the details before.
In this blog post, we’ll break things down so you can see the key differences and understand how each draw operates. Read on to learn more.
What Are Omaze Prize Draws?
Omaze prize draws work a bit differently to traditional lottery games. If you take part, you usually buy entries on their website for a chance to win things like houses, cars, or cash. Each draw is tied to a specific set of prizes, which are advertised ahead of time. Some people choose to enter by post instead, which does not require a purchase.
A percentage of the money raised by Omaze prize draws goes toward a charity. This is listed on their website and can vary from one campaign to another. The draw itself uses random selection to pick winners from all valid entries, and each campaign sets out the rules in its terms and conditions.
If you decide to try your hand at either Omaze or The National Lottery draws, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Do Traditional Lotteries Work?
Traditional lotteries in the UK, such as The National Lottery, are straightforward. You buy a ticket in store, online, or through an app. Each ticket gives you a set of numbers. The price for one line on the main Lotto draw is £2.
Draws take place at scheduled times, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Balls are drawn at random and if your numbers match the ones drawn, you win a prize. The more numbers you match, the higher the prize. For example, matching all six numbers on the main Lotto draw puts you in line for the jackpot. Matching three numbers might result in a smaller set prize.
The odds of matching all six numbers in the UK Lotto are about 1 in 45 million. Smaller prizes have better odds. Winnings come from money collected through ticket sales, with a share going to the prize pool and a portion supporting good causes across the UK.
All lottery games in the UK are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Whilst Omaze does not fall under the jurisdiction of the UKGC, it must obey the rules set by the UK consumer and advertising agency.
Omaze vs Lottery Differences Explained
Omaze and traditional lotteries both offer prize draws, but they operate in different ways. One key distinction is how entries are purchased. In most UK lotteries, such as Lotto or EuroMillions, participants select a set of numbers and pay for each line. With Omaze, entries are purchased online for a specific prize, such as a house or a car, without any number selection.
The types of prizes also differ. Traditional lotteries primarily offer cash prizes, which can vary widely and sometimes reach millions of pounds. Omaze draws tend to focus on tangible prizes, such as homes, vehicles, or cash lump sums, with the details of each prize clearly stated for every campaign.
Charity support is handled in distinct ways. The National Lottery allocates a portion of ticket sales to good causes, including arts, sports, and community projects across the UK. Omaze associates each prize draw with a specific charity and provides information on what percentage of funds raised will go to that organisation.
Draw timings vary as well. Traditional lottery draws typically occur at set times, for example, Lotto draws take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Omaze campaigns usually run for several weeks, with a defined closing date for entries.
Who Can Enter and How Much Does It Cost?
To enter either Omaze prize draws or traditional UK lotteries, you must be at least 18 years of age. For lottery games in the UK, this is a legal requirement. Omaze similarly requires all players to be over the age of 18.
The cost to take part can vary. For The National Lottery, a ticket for a standard Lotto draw is £2 per line. For EuroMillions, the price per line is £2.50. You can choose how many lines you want to play, which affects your overall potential spend.
Omaze prize draws have different entry options. Online entries usually start from around £10 for fifteen entries, with larger bundles also offered that reduce the price per entry if you buy in bulk. Omaze also allows a free postal entry if you send in your details by post, and you will need to follow the stated process to make sure your entry is valid.
It could potentially be worth reading the terms before entering either type of draw, as details such as entry limits or bundle deals can change. Entries are typically limited to eligible UK residents, and verification checks may be carried out to confirm age and location.
Lotteries are licensed and regulated by the UKGC. Commercial prize draws like Omaze are not licensed as lotteries but must meet UK consumer and advertising standards, including transparency about how the draw is run.
What Are the Odds of Winning?
Odds of Winning Omaze
The odds of winning a prize in an Omaze UK draw depend on how many valid entries are received for that particular campaign. Each entry has an equal chance of being picked, but Omaze does not usually publish the total number of entries until after the draw closes. For many prize draws, this number can be in the millions, but it varies each time.
Omaze publishes the odds after each campaign ends. For example, if 2 million entries were made, you would have a 1 in 2,000,000 chance per entry for the top prize. Secondary prizes, such as cash or smaller items, have their odds calculated in the same way. You can review examples of past draw odds on the official site.
Odds of Winning the Lottery
UK lottery games have fixed odds that do not change based on ticket sales. For Lotto, the odds of matching all six main numbers to win the jackpot are about 1 in 45 million for each line you play. EuroMillions odds are longer, with the jackpot at around 1 in 139 million per entry.
There are also smaller prizes available in each game. For example, matching three numbers in Lotto has odds of roughly 1 in 97. Other National Lottery games like Thunderball have different odds, so checking the rules for each game could be worthwhile before buying a ticket.
The National Lottery website publishes the odds and prize structures for each game.
What Types of Prizes Can You Expect?
The types of prizes available vary depending on the draw you enter. UK lotteries, such as Lotto and EuroMillions, typically offer cash prizes. The largest jackpots can reach tens of millions of pounds, while smaller fixed prizes are available for matching fewer numbers, often ranging from around £30 to £140, depending on the specific game.
Omaze prize draws often feature physical items or experiences. These can include fully furnished homes, vehicles such as electric or high-end models, and occasionally cash prizes. The main prize is clearly displayed on the Omaze website, usually with a full description of what is included. Some draws also include secondary prizes, providing the opportunity for additional smaller rewards.
Any prize draw operating legally in the UK should clearly outline what is on offer and provide detailed information about each prize. If you are considering entering a particular draw, it might be a good idea to review the official page carefully for a full description and any applicable terms and conditions.
Where Does the Money Go?
If you enter The National Lottery, the money from ticket sales is split in several ways. A portion funds the prize pool, so winners can be paid out. Roughly 28p of every £1 spent goes to good causes, which covers things like community projects, heritage, and UK arts or sports funding. Retailers and administration also receive a share.
For Omaze prize draws in the UK, a percentage of entry sales is donated to a charity partner. The percentage donated can change between draws, so you will find the exact figure and charity for each campaign shown clearly online. The remaining income covers the cost of prizes, running the draw, and business expenses.
Is Omaze or the Lottery Better?
Deciding between entering an Omaze draw or a traditional lottery mainly depends on your individual interests and priorities. Some people are drawn to cash prizes, while others may be more interested in non-cash rewards, such as a house or a car.
Charity involvement also differs between the two. The National Lottery supports a broad range of UK good causes, whereas Omaze collaborates with one charity per campaign, so the contribution is directed to that specific organisation.
There is no definitive answer as to which option is preferable; ultimately it comes down to personal preferences. It might be handy to review the entry requirements, prize details, and terms for each draw, and to make a decision based on your own preferences and budget. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.