Lotto (UK) — how prizes are taxed

United Kingdom: the rules

Lottery and gambling winnings are entirely tax-free at receipt in the UK — HMRC does not treat betting or lottery wins as taxable income. Later income from investing the prize is taxable, and large gifts from winnings can fall within inheritance tax rules if the winner dies within seven years.

Can you stay anonymous?

National Lottery winners can choose to remain anonymous; publicity is optional.

How long you have to claim

180 days from the draw date for National Lottery prizes.

Regulator: Gambling Commission — official site

Full country guide: every United Kingdom game, ranked, with tax rules. For a cross-border view, see lottery tax in every country and the after-tax prize calculator.