FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked lottery questions

What is the Mare and Foal Sanctuary weekly lottery?

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary Lottery is a fun new way to support our charity. 

You can have up to 20 chances per draw at £1 each, and you will receive a 6-digit lottery number for each chance.

Every Friday you will be entered into our draw where the winning number sequence is chosen at random using a Gambling Commission approved Random Number Generator.

If you win, prizes are issued and posted to the winner automatically, meaning that there is no need to claim.

What prizes can I win?

Every Friday, you could have the chance to win one of our amazing possible prizes:

  • 1st prize: £25,000 - if you match 6 digits.
  • 2nd prize: £1,000 - if you match 5 digits.
  • 3rd prize: £25 - if you match 4 digits.
  • 4th prize: 5 prize entries into the next week's draw - if you match 3 digits.

Can you guarantee the lottery is fair?

Yes. Every lottery chance has the same odds of winning and the winning sequence is selected by a Gambling Commission approved Random Number Generator.

The Mare and Foal Society is licenced and regulated by Teignbridge District Council under a small society lottery licence, which means that we are also regulated by The Gambling Commission to ensure our lottery is conducted fairly and compliantly.

For more infromation, you can find the rules on our rules page.

How old must I be to enter?

The minimum age to enter our weekly lottery is 18.

Can I choose my own game numbers?

No. Your unique lottery game numbers are chosen randomly and will be your numbers for the duration of your membership of our lottery. When you enter the lottery, you will be sent confirmation of your unique lottery game numbers in your welcome letter.

How will I know that I’m in the draw?

You will receive a welcome letter in the post which contains details of your unique lottery number(s) and your first draw date. You will be entered into the draw when you have monies available and you will continue to be entered into the draw if you have monies available against your lottery number(s).

How will I know if I have won?

If you match 4 digits or more, you will be sent your winnings automatically, by Direct Credit payment, straight to your bank, or via cheque 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 next week's draw.

What are the odds of winning a prize?

The winning probabilities are summarised below:

  • Six Number Match (£25,000)
    • 1 in 1,000,000 chance
  • Five Number Match (£1,000)
    • 1 in 18,518 chance
  • Four Number Match (£25)
    • 1 in 823 chance
  • Three Number Match (5 additional entries into the next available draw)
    • 1 in 69 chance

How are the proceeds from the lottery used?

From each £1 lottery entry, a minimum of 50% returns to Mare and Foal Sanctuary for supporting the work of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses and ponies.

18% is spent on prizes and the remaining 32% is used to cover the costs of administering the lottery.

I have lost my game numbers. What should I do?

If you have lost your lottery game number(s), then do not worry. You can call our friendly lottery team on 0330 123 9092 or if you would prefer to email, you can email us at info@unitylottery.co.uk

How many entries can I have each week?

The maximum number of entries you can purchase per week is 20. (£20 per week).

Why am I sent to another website when making a payment?

When taking payments, we use a secure payments system provided by our External Lottery Manager. This ensures your details are taken in a safe and secure manner when you enter the lottery online.

Why is there a delay between registration and entry into the draw?

If you are setting up a Direct Debit to pay for your entries, we are legally required to provide you with a 10 day cooling off period to allow you to change your mind if you wish.

Once this 10 day period has passed, your Direct Debit will be deducted at the earliest date possible – this date will be outlined in your welcome letter.

Is the weekly lottery legal?

Yes, we operate in compliance with The Gambling Commission (the UK regulatory body concerned with lotteries) requirements and the lottery is administered by a certified External Lottery Manager. For further information, please see our rules page.

For any further questions please contact our lottery helpline on 0330 123 1486 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm) or email info@unitylottery.co.uk

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling is a term that means staying in control of how much time and money is spent on gambling related activity and this is absolutely central to us when considering how we created and responsibly promote this fundraising opportunity.

Our lottery aims to encourage fair and open play and protect the young and the vulnerable. Some steps we have taken include limiting the ticket entries to only 20 a week, and only allowing people over 18 years old to participate.

If you are worried about your gambling or that of someone close to you, BeGambleAware is the UK's leading authority on the provision of support, advice and counselling to people affected by gambling problems. If you or someone you know needs help or advice call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (lines open 24 hours a day) or visit www.begambleaware.org

I wish to cancel my entry into the Weekly Lottery. How do I do this?

You can cancel your entry in the Weekly Lottery at any time. To cancel contact our helpline on 0330 123 9092 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm) alternatively you can email info@unitylottery.co.uk or you can notify us in writing to:

Mare and Foal Sanctuary Unity LotteryFurness GatePeter Green WayBarrow-in-FurnessCumbriaLA14 2PE

My question isn't answered here. Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact the Lottery Helpline on 0330 123 9092, lines open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, or email info@unitylottery.co.uk