UKGC: How the Millionaire Maker Draw Really Works
FOI disclosure reveals the computerised process behind the National Lottery's guaranteed £1m prize.
A Freedom of Information request has clarified how the National Lottery's UK Millionaire Maker winners are chosen. The UK Gambling Commission confirmed the draw uses a Random Number Generator, guaranteeing a UK winner for every prize.
Article Content
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted on 6 August 2025 has shed light on the exact process used to determine the winners of the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker prize.
In a full disclosure, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) responded to a consumer query about why the draw is not televised live, unlike the main National Lottery games. The response confirms the process is a computerised raffle, not a physical ball draw, and is subject to strict regulatory standards.
The Millionaire Maker is a Raffle, Not a Lottery
The key takeaway from the disclosure is that the UK Millionaire Maker game operates as a raffle. The UKGC explained the process in detail:
-
How is the code drawn? The winner is selected via a Random Number Generator (RNG). This system randomly chooses a winning code from the complete list of all codes generated for that specific draw. It is not a physical draw using balls or a machine.
-
Why isn't it live? Because the draw is conducted by an RNG system, there is no physical event to broadcast. The process is entirely digital.
-
Is there always a winner? Yes. The UKGC confirmed that because the winning code is selected from the pool of entries sold for that draw, there is guaranteed to be a UK winner for every prize available. The winning code is then published on the National Lottery website.
Regulatory Oversight Ensures Fairness
For consumers, the lack of a visible, live draw can raise questions about fairness and transparency. The UKGC's response addresses this by highlighting the regulatory framework governing the process.
The National Lottery operator must comply with specific rules to ensure the integrity of its RNG systems. The Commission cited two key standards:
- Licence Condition 17.4: This condition of the Fourth National Lottery Licence outlines the operator's responsibilities regarding the integrity and security of its games and systems.
- World Lottery Association (WLA) Security Control Standard L.8: This is an international standard specifically for random number generation, ensuring that such systems are unpredictable, auditable, and secure from tampering.
What This Means for Players
This disclosure provides valuable reassurance for National Lottery players. It clarifies that while the Millionaire Maker draw method differs from the main televised draws, it is a regulated and audited process designed to be fair.
The confirmation that it operates as a true raffle—drawing only from codes that have been issued to players for that draw—is significant. It guarantees that for every £1 million prize offered, a ticket holder in the UK will win, unlike jackpot lotteries where a prize can roll over if no one matches the winning numbers.