Omaze vs Lottery: Differences, Odds, Prizes & How They Work

Thinking about entering an Omaze prize draw or the National Lottery and not sure how they’re different? You’re not alone. Both offer the possibility of big prizes, but the way they work, where the money goes, and your chance of winning vary quite a bit.

From luxury houses and cars to large cash payouts, prize draws and lottery tickets attract many people across the UK. Before choosing where to spend your money, it helps to understand what sits behind each option.

This guide breaks down how entries are collected, the types of prizes on offer, and how the odds compare, so you can decide what suits your circumstances. Playing is always optional and should be affordable for you.

How Do Omaze And The Lottery Work?

Omaze runs online prize draws. Entries are bought through their website in bundles, and each one goes into the pool for the advertised prize, which might be a house, a car, or a cash amount. A portion of each paid entry is donated to a named charity, and there is also a free postal route that lets you enter without buying. Once the entry window closes, a winner is picked at random using a process that is independently checked for fairness.

The National Lottery, covering games such as Lotto and EuroMillions, is operated by Allwyn under licence from the UK government. Players buy lines of numbers either online or from retailers. Draws happen on set days, with prizes awarded according to how many numbers match. Ticket revenue is split between prizes, good causes, retailer commissions, and operating costs. Draws are overseen by independent adjudicators.

Both models rely on random selection and independent oversight, although one is centred on prize draws that support a named charity and the other is a state-licensed lottery that funds a broad range of good causes. With the mechanics clear, the next question is how this translates into your chances.

What Are The Odds Of Winning Omaze Versus The Lottery?

For Omaze, the odds depend entirely on how many entries are in a specific draw. There is no fixed ticket pool, so your chance is simply one entry divided by the total number of valid entries at the close. That total is not final until the deadline passes, which is why estimates often span from hundreds of thousands to several million to one.

For Lotto, the chance of matching all six main numbers on a single line is 1 in 45,057,474. For EuroMillions, the jackpot odds are 1 in 139,838,160. Each game also has several lower prize tiers with much higher odds than the jackpot. The structure and odds for these tiers are published openly by the operator.

In short, lotteries have fixed, published odds per line, while prize draws like Omaze have variable odds tied to how many people take part. With that in mind, it helps to look at what you are actually playing for.

How Do Prize Types And Payouts Differ Between Them?

Omaze focuses on physical prizes and experiences, often headline properties furnished and ready to move into, premium cars, or a cash alternative where offered. Property wins may come with a contribution towards stamp duty or legal fees, and the terms usually explain what is covered. Alongside the main prize, there can be secondary rewards such as smaller cash amounts or tech items.

The National Lottery is built around cash payouts. Prizes are paid in money for every tier, from small wins up to the main jackpot. If there are multiple winners in a tier, the prize for that tier is shared among them. The amounts and sharing rules are set out in advance for each game.

So, while a lottery win always results in a cash payment, an Omaze win could mean keys to a house, a new car on the drive, or a stated cash sum. Knowing that, the next piece of the puzzle is what it costs to enter.

How Much Do Entries Cost And What Does Each Entry Include?

Pricing works differently for each platform, and it is worth checking the latest details before you enter, since offers and formats can change.

Omaze entries

Entries are sold in bundles online, with the cost per entry usually falling as the bundle size increases. For instance, you might see options such as 15 entries for £10 or 320 entries for £150, though the exact bundles vary by draw. Every entry goes into the same pool for the advertised prize, and a portion of paid entries is donated to the named charity. A free postal entry route is available and is treated the same for the purposes of the draw.

Lottery tickets

Lotto costs £2 per line and EuroMillions costs £2.50 per line. Each line covers one set of numbers for a single draw and includes access to that game’s prize tiers, plus linked features like the UK Millionaire Maker for EuroMillions.

Neither Omaze nor the Lottery charges a fee to claim a prize. Entry prices and terms can change, so it is sensible to check the official pages for the current position. With costs covered, attention turns to how winners are picked and confirmed.

How Are Winners Selected And Verified?

For Omaze, a random number generator is used after entries close to select the winning entry. The draw process is reviewed by independent specialists to confirm it meets legal and advertising standards. Once a potential winner is identified, verification checks are carried out, which usually include confirming identity and address. Only the named entrant can claim the prize.

For the National Lottery, numbers are drawn using either ball machines or secure electronic systems, depending on the game. Independent adjudicators observe the process to ensure it follows the rules. If a ticket matches a winning combination, the claim is then subject to routine checks that confirm ownership and eligibility.

These checks protect all entrants and help ensure prizes go to the rightful winners. After that, it is a case of getting the prize to you.

How Do Winners Claim Prizes For Omaze And The Lottery?

If you win an Omaze draw, the team gets in touch using the details on your entry. You will be asked to provide identification and proof of address before anything is released. High-value awards, such as property, involve extra steps handled with appointed professionals so ownership can be transferred properly. Smaller items and cash payments are processed once verification is complete. If the winner cannot be reached or does not respond in time, the terms explain what happens next.

With the National Lottery, how you claim depends on where you bought your ticket and how much you have won. Small prizes from shop-bought tickets can often be paid by the retailer, typically up to a few hundred pounds. Larger wins and online wins are claimed through Allwyn by submitting a form and providing ID and bank details. The biggest wins are handled in person, with a dedicated team guiding you through verification and payment into a UK bank account.

Keep hold of tickets or entry confirmations until your claim is settled. If anything is unclear, both operators publish step-by-step guidance on their official websites.

If gambling is affecting you or those around you, free confidential support is available through organisations such as GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline.

Are Prizes Taxable For UK Winners?

In the UK, lottery and prize draw winnings are generally not subject to income tax. This covers cash wins from the National Lottery and non-cash wins from Omaze, such as homes or cars.

Once a prize is paid or transferred, it is yours in full at that point. The tax position can change later if the prize generates income or increases in value. For example, rental income from a home would usually be taxable, and selling a valuable asset at a profit could give rise to capital gains tax, depending on your circumstances.

If a win changes your financial situation, it is sensible to check the latest rules with HMRC or speak to a qualified tax adviser. Understanding how each option works, what it costs, and what you might win will help you take part on your terms.

_{**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.}