Nationale Postcode Loterij

The way Nationale Postcode Loterij (Dutch Postcode Lottery) works is a classic example of a win-win situation. After all, it’s not only our charities that win. Each year, more than 10 million players win a variety of prizes, ranging from suitcases, and blankets made from recycled plastic, to becoming a millionaire overnight.

The weekly street prize, in which a whole street can win a spectacular cash award, is well known throughout the Netherlands. The highlight of the prize plan is the PostcodeKanjer, given out on the 1st of January each year. This prize is the biggest in Dutch lottery history.

Since the start in 1989, Nationale Postcode Loterij has supported charities dedicated to people and planet. Therefore it plays a pioneering role in creating a fairer, greener world.

Beethovenstraat 200
1077 JZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+31 (0)20 673 24 46
info@postcodeloterij.nl
www.postcodeloterij.nl

Postcode Lottery format

The postcode is the basis of the lottery number.

Key success factors

People play the lottery with a ticket based on their postcode. So winners of the Postcode Street Prize or PostcodeKanjer are neighbours. This is what makes playing Nationale Postcode Loterij so unique: neighbours winning together.

The licence of Nationale Postcode Loterij stipulates that at least 40% of the lottery's revenue will be donated to charity. Since its inception, the revenue has grown every year.

Our year in numbers: 2023

€830.1 million	ticket sales
4.1 million	subscriptions
€526.9 million	to players
€348.6 million	to charity partners
176	charity partners
€8 billion	raised for charity partners since 1990

Find the most recent annual report and allocations in the newsroom.

€348.6
million

donated in 2023

Charity partners

The lottery provides long-term institutional support to organisations worldwide working in the areas of poverty alleviation, human rights, nature conservation, the environment and social cohesion in the Netherlands.

At least 40% of the Nationale Postcode Loterij's gross proceeds goes directly to charity.

view all charities

Nationale Postcode Loterij ambassadors

Nationale Postcode Loterij has a strong team of ambassadors who spread the word about the importance of the lottery and the good work of good causes and partners. Their television shows help to support charities and show lottery players how the money is spent.

Gaston Starreveld
TV presenter
“I see the happiness when we hand out prizes in the street. And I see happiness in the field about what the players have achieved with us. So much wealth in 30 years, literally and figuratively. Unforgettable.”
Richard Krajicek
Former tennis player and Wimbledon Tennis Champion 1996
“The Postcode Lottery often makes the impossible come true. Especially for children, who need it most.”
Nicolette van Dam
TV presenter and entrepreneur
“I really do feel privileged: happy smiles on the winners’ faces, fantastic charities and a warm, welcoming company. Here’s to 50 years!”
Humberto Tan
TV presenter

“As an ambassador of WWF and the Red Cross, I have seen the importance of the support of the Lottery. Now I can contribute better to all causes working for a green and more just world.”
Esther Vergeer
Former wheelchair tennis player and seven-times Paralympic champion

“Being and staying healthy is something that you have to work at every day and I’m happy to make my contribution to that. That’s why Nationale Postcode Loterij is so important.”
Martijn Krabbé
TV presenter
“They started with seven charities and now they support 123. I’m proud that I’m able to contribute to this.”
Caroline Tensen
TV presenter
“There’s still a lot to do. That’s why the Dutch Postcode Lottery can continue to count on me as a member of an enterprising family.”
Winston Gerschtanowitz
TV presenter and entrepreneur
“'The meaning of life is to give life a meaning’ could be the motto of the founders of the lottery. I’m happy to be part of an organisation that makes a difference in many lives.”
Quinty Trustfull
TV presenter
“I have seen with my own eyes how a contribution from the lottery can literally make a world of difference. I’m a proud ambassador.”
Gaston Starreveld
TV presenter
“I see the happiness when we hand out prizes in the street. And I see happiness in the field about what the players have achieved with us. So much wealth in 30 years, literally and figuratively. Unforgettable.”
Richard Krajicek
Former tennis player and Wimbledon Tennis Champion 1996
“The Postcode Lottery often makes the impossible come true. Especially for children, who need it most.”

Television & events

Prime time entertainment

Television is an invaluable medium for Nationale Postcode Loterij. As well as the awarding of prizes, television shows always feature one or more of our charities. For the recognisability of the lottery, the major prizes are presented by lottery ambassadors.

Managing directors

Jonne Arnoldussen, Daan Peters and Lydi Siebers manage the day-to-day business of Nationale Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij.