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Community question Culture & daily life From 🇳🇱 Netherlands 08 Aug 2026

How does the Dutch Postcode Loterij work and is it worth joining as an expat in the Netherlands?

Asked by haile

Unlike a regular lottery where you pick numbers, the Postcode Loterij assigns prizes based on your postal code, meaning everyone in a winning postcode wins together. How exactly does this work and what happens if your neighbours all win but you did not buy a ticket? What are the realistic odds of winning and how much does it cost to participate? What is the kansspelbelasting and how much tax is deducted from winnings before you receive them? And what should an expat living in the Netherlands know before deciding whether to join?

1 Answer

Replied by Lucy Staff
08 Aug 2026
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Lucy's answer

The Postcode Loterij (Postcode Lottery) is the Netherlands' biggest charity lottery. Your postcode forms your lottery number, so you win together with your neighbours. It is quite different from traditional lotteries where you pick numbers yourself. Here's what expats living in the Netherlands should know before deciding to participate.

How it works

Prize winners are the lot owners whose postal code has been drawn. This creates the unique situation described in your question: even if not participating, one may still find out that one would have won had one played. If your postcode is selected, everyone with a ticket in that postcode shares the prize pool for that draw. The monthly draws happen 14 times per year, with additional special draws including the PostcodeKanjer on January 1st.

Cost

A basic Postcode Loterij ticket costs €16 per draw, and you participate in 14 draws per year. There are two premium options available: Plus costs €2.50 extra per draw, and Premium costs €5 extra per draw. You can change or cancel your subscription at any time.

Prize pool and odds

In 2026, the prize pool totals €463.9 million in prizes and gifts, with 60,000 winning postcodes each month and 600,000 prizes distributed. Specific odds published for the UK version of the postcode lottery show that on average, the chance of a ticket winning a prize is better than 1 in 4, though the Dutch version's odds may differ. Prizes range from small gift items to a monthly €1 million Suppostcode prize split among all winners in that postcode.

Kansspelbelasting (gambling tax)

The kansspelbelasting is a Dutch gambling tax applied to lottery winnings. Prizes up to €449 are tax-free; prizes above this amount are subject to a 34.20% kansspelbelasting in 2025. The Postcode Loterij deducts this tax automatically, so you receive the net amount. You do not need to declare or pay this tax yourself.

Charity contribution

The lottery's licence requires that at least 40% of revenue is donated to charity. This means a substantial portion of every ticket sale supports charitable organisations focused on people, human rights, nature conservation, and the environment.

Key considerations for expats

  • You must be 18 or older and have a valid Dutch residential address with a postcode to participate.
  • Unlike some lotteries that advertise after-tax prizes, the kansspelbelasting is visible in your final payout, though the Postcode Loterij handles the tax deduction on your behalf.
  • Playing is optional in your neighbourhood—you do not automatically enter if you live in a postcode; you must sign up and pay.
  • Treat participation as entertainment or charitable contribution rather than an investment strategy. Prizes are never guaranteed.
  • You can easily manage or cancel your subscription online through Mijn Postcode Loterij (My Postcode Loterij account).

Worth joining?

Whether the Postcode Loterij is right for you depends on your priorities. If you enjoy a small monthly spend (€16–€21) with favourable odds compared to traditional lotteries, appreciate supporting charities, and like the idea of winning with neighbours, it may appeal. If you prefer not to gamble, the monthly cost is best avoided. The key is to spend only what you can comfortably afford as disposable income.

Verify current rules and eligibility on the official Postcode Loterij website (www.postcodeloterij.nl, in Dutch). Regulations and tax rates can change, so confirm the current requirements, pricing, and tax rules before signing up. This answer provides educational orientation only and is not personalised financial or gambling advice.

References

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This is orientation, not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Verify everything on official sites.

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