Since the launch of our Raise a Smile Lottery nearly 20 years ago, the price of a ticket has remained at £1. However, due to rising operational costs and the increased expenses involved in delivering specialist care, we have made the decision to increase the ticket price from £1 to £2 from April 2026. This change ensures that a meaningful proportion of lottery proceeds continues to support the vital care provided by Children’s Hospice South West. This adjustment is not solely to cover rising costs. Each £2 ticket purchased will help provide enhanced specialist care and support for those who need it most.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, an average of 51p from every £1 ticket went directly towards funding care for babies, children, young people and their families. This resulted in a total net income of approximately £600,000. With the increased ticket price, we anticipate an even bigger impact, with the organisational goal to raise over £1 million in net income through lottery sales. Every pound raised will go towards supporting families in need by providing specialist care and support.

The National Lottery increased its ticket price from £1 to £2 in 2013 to continue supporting good causes across the UK. Many other charity lotteries have also made similar changes in response to rising costs, it is expected that many more will follow suit over the coming years, raising their ticket prices to £2 to continue their vital work.

We are enhancing our prize fund by adding 20 bonus entries every week, giving supporters even more chances to win. Please note that we are unable to provide single ticket winners with a bonus entry as we do not hold their details. However, a cheque to the value of £2 will be sent in the post once the winner has claimed their prize.

The chances of winning remain the same. Increasing the ticket price does not affect the number of entries per draw or the odds of winning a prize. It simply means that more of your support will go towards providing vital care for families.