Based on looking at the website, Onelottery.co.uk operates as an umbrella lottery platform that allows users to purchase tickets to support various good causes, both large and small, with the added incentive of winning a weekly jackpot. While the platform aims to facilitate fundraising for charitable organisations, it inherently involves gambling, which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Therefore, from an Islamic perspective, Onelottery.co.uk cannot be recommended.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Platform Type: Online Lottery Platform
- Purpose: Facilitates fundraising for good causes while offering players a chance to win prizes.
- Ticket Price: £1 per week
- Jackpot: Up to £25,000 weekly
- Proceeds to Cause: 50p from every £1 ticket sold
- Ethical Stance (Islamic): Not permissible due to involvement in gambling.
- Promoter: Gatherwell Limited
- Eligibility: UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 years or over.
- Website Transparency: Provides clear terms and conditions, privacy notice, and contact information.
- Overall Recommendation: Not recommended for Muslims due to the nature of lottery being a form of gambling.
While Onelottery.co.uk presents itself as a way to support noble causes, the fundamental mechanism relies on a lottery system, which falls under the category of gambling. In Islam, gambling (Maysir) is explicitly forbidden, as it involves taking a risk on money or something of value with the potential for gain or loss, often leading to addiction, financial ruin, and societal harm. The Quran and Sunnah clearly outline the impermissibility of such activities, emphasising that any gain derived from gambling is unlawful. Even if a portion of the proceeds goes to charity, the act of participating in the lottery itself remains prohibited. It creates false hopes, relies on chance rather than effort, and can divert resources away from productive, ethical means of wealth generation and charitable giving.
Instead of engaging in activities with even a semblance of gambling, it is always better to explore alternative, ethical avenues for personal development, leisure, and supporting good causes that align with Islamic principles. These alternatives focus on tangible benefits, skill development, and genuinely productive contributions to society.
Here are some ethical alternatives that align with Islamic principles and offer tangible value:
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Islamic Art & Calligraphy Supplies:
- Key Features: High-quality paper, traditional inks, reed pens, brushes, various mediums for creating intricate and beautiful Islamic art. Can include kits for beginners.
- Average Price: £15 – £100+ depending on the set.
- Pros: Encourages creativity, preserves cultural heritage, promotes mindfulness, can be a source of income through ethical means.
- Cons: Requires skill development, initial investment in materials.
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- Key Features: Books on Islamic history, science, biography of the Prophet (PBUH) and companions, self-improvement, skill-building courses (e.g., coding, writing, ethical business).
- Average Price: £10 – £50 per book/course.
- Pros: Fosters knowledge, personal growth, spiritual development, direct beneficial impact.
- Cons: Requires dedication and time for learning.
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- Key Features: Garments made from ethically sourced materials, adhering to modesty guidelines, supporting fair trade practices. Includes abayas, thobes, hijabs, modest dresses.
- Average Price: £25 – £150+
- Pros: Promotes modesty, supports ethical labour, durable and sustainable options.
- Cons: Might be pricier than fast fashion, limited styles compared to conventional fashion.
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- Key Features: Ergonomic design for comfort, durable materials, intricate patterns, often made in Islamic countries, providing a sense of spiritual connection.
- Average Price: £20 – £70
- Pros: Enhances comfort during prayer, long-lasting, a personal item of spiritual significance.
- Cons: Can be an indulgence if excessively priced, no direct income generation.
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Gardening & Home Cultivation Kits:
- Key Features: Kits for growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers at home. Includes seeds, soil, pots, and instructions.
- Average Price: £10 – £40
- Pros: Promotes self-sufficiency, healthy living, connection with nature, provides fresh produce.
- Cons: Requires patience and care, success depends on environmental factors.
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Handmade Soap & Natural Personal Care:
- Key Features: Products made from natural ingredients, often organic, free from harsh chemicals, supporting small businesses or ethical producers.
- Average Price: £5 – £25 per item.
- Pros: Healthier for skin, environmentally friendly, often supports local artisans.
- Cons: Shorter shelf life for some natural products, may be more expensive than mass-produced alternatives.
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Subscription Boxes for Crafts & Hobbies:
- Key Features: Monthly curated boxes for various hobbies like knitting, painting, calligraphy, or DIY projects. Provides materials and instructions.
- Average Price: £20 – £40 per month.
- Pros: Encourages skill development, provides a regular creative outlet, reduces decision fatigue in sourcing materials.
- Cons: Can accumulate materials if not regularly used, cost can add up over time.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Onelottery.co.uk Review & First Look: A Critical Examination
Based on the information available on its homepage, Onelottery.co.uk positions itself as a platform that allows individuals to participate in lotteries to support various “good causes” across the UK. The site highlights the simplicity of participation – tickets are £1 a week – and the dual benefit of potentially winning a significant jackpot (£25,000 weekly) while contributing to charity (50p from every £1 ticket). While the philanthropic aspect might seem appealing at first glance, a deeper look reveals that the core mechanism is a lottery, which inherently involves gambling.
The Appeal of “Good Causes” and the Underlying Issue
The website heavily promotes the idea of raising funds for charities, sports clubs, social groups, and even faith-based organisations. This framing attempts to imbue the lottery with a sense of social responsibility. However, the means through which these funds are raised is crucial. In Islam, the concept of charity and giving is highly encouraged, but the method of acquiring wealth must be lawful and ethical. Money gained through gambling is considered ill-gotten and impermissible, even if it is subsequently used for charitable purposes. The end does not justify the means in this context.
Transparency and Regulatory Information
Onelottery.co.uk does provide important regulatory information, which is a positive sign for any online platform. They mention being operated by Gatherwell Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (Company Number 08675983). The terms and conditions are readily available, detailing eligibility requirements (UK residents, 18+ excluding Northern Ireland), prize draw rules, winner notification processes, and liability limitations. This level of transparency in terms of operations and legal standing is standard for legitimate online services in the UK. However, even with regulatory compliance, the fundamental nature of the service—gambling—remains the central issue from an Islamic perspective.
Onelottery.co.uk Cons: The Impermissibility of Gambling
The primary and overriding “con” of Onelottery.co.uk, especially when viewed through an Islamic ethical lens, is its direct involvement in gambling. While the platform details its operational aspects, including how it supports charities, the core activity remains forbidden.
The Inherent Nature of Gambling (Maysir)
Gambling, or maysir, is explicitly prohibited in the Quran (2:219, 5:90-91). The verses clearly state that intoxicants and gambling are abominations from the work of Satan, leading to enmity, hatred, and hindering remembrance of Allah and prayer. The prohibition is not merely a cultural norm but a fundamental principle designed to protect individuals and society from severe harm. Gambling creates an unhealthy dependence on chance, fosters greed, and can lead to financial ruin, addiction, and neglect of familial and societal duties. It diverts individuals from earning an honest living through legitimate work and effort. Theindianconnection.co.uk Review
Psychological and Social Harms
Beyond the religious prohibition, lotteries, as a form of gambling, have well-documented psychological and social harms. Studies by organisations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the US and GambleAware in the UK consistently highlight the risks:
- Addiction: The thrill of potential winnings can lead to addictive behaviours, where individuals spend more than they can afford.
- Financial Distress: Many participants, especially those with limited income, may spend essential funds on lottery tickets, leading to debt and poverty. A 2021 study by the UK Gambling Commission indicated that around 0.5% of the adult population are problem gamblers, with a further 3.8% at some risk. While this doesn’t isolate lottery participation, it highlights the broader societal issue of gambling harm.
- False Hope: Lotteries often create unrealistic expectations of sudden wealth, diverting individuals from pursuing genuine, productive avenues for financial stability and success.
- Erosion of Trust: While Onelottery.co.uk aims to support charities, the underlying mechanism of gambling can erode trust and ethical values within a community.
The Illusion of Charity
While 50p from every £1 ticket is stated to go to a good cause, this does not legitimise the act of gambling. The individual participant is still engaging in a prohibited transaction. It’s akin to donating stolen money; the act of donation is good, but the source of the money is unlawful. True charity, in Islam, involves giving from one’s honestly earned wealth, purifying it and seeking Allah’s pleasure through ethical means.
Onelottery.co.uk Alternatives: Ethical Paths to Giving and Earning
Given the impermissibility of gambling, seeking alternatives that align with Islamic principles is crucial. These alternatives not only avoid the prohibitions but also offer genuine, sustainable, and beneficial ways to contribute to society, earn a livelihood, and engage in meaningful activities.
Direct Charitable Giving and Sadaqah
Instead of lotteries, direct charitable giving (Sadaqah) is highly encouraged in Islam. This can take many forms:
- Direct Donations to Registered Charities: Donating money to reputable charities that operate ethically and transparently. Many UK charities, such as Islamic Relief UK, Human Appeal, and Muslim Aid, accept direct donations for various causes worldwide, from poverty alleviation to education and emergency relief. You can find registered charities via the Charity Commission for England and Wales website.
- Zakat: For those who meet the criteria, Zakat is an obligatory annual payment made to charitable causes, constituting a purification of wealth. This is a pillar of Islam and a direct means of wealth redistribution.
- Volunteer Work: Donating time and skills to a good cause can be more impactful than financial contributions. This provides tangible help and fosters community spirit.
Ethical Fundraising for Organisations
For organisations looking to raise funds, numerous ethical alternatives exist: Elizabethsrose.co.uk Review
- Events and Campaigns: Organising ethical fundraising events like bake sales, sponsored walks, charity dinners, or online crowdfunding campaigns that do not involve gambling.
- Product Sales: Selling ethically sourced or produced goods, where profits directly support the cause.
- Grants and Partnerships: Applying for grants from foundations or partnering with ethical businesses for corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Productive Hobbies and Skill Development
Engaging in hobbies that are productive and beneficial can bring greater satisfaction and even potential income:
- Learning New Skills: Investing in courses or training for skills like coding, graphic design, writing, or carpentry. These skills can lead to legitimate employment or entrepreneurial ventures. Platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer a vast array of courses.
- Creative Arts: Pursuing Islamic calligraphy, painting, pottery, or other forms of art that are expressive and permissible.
- Gardening/Farming: Engaging in agriculture, even on a small scale, provides fresh produce and promotes a connection with nature.
- Ethical Trading: Participating in business ventures that involve fair exchange, honest dealings, and mutual benefit, avoiding speculation, fraud, and interest.
How to Cancel Onelottery.co.uk Subscription (General Guidance)
While participating in lotteries is impermissible, understanding how to cease participation is crucial for anyone who may have already subscribed. Based on common practices for online subscriptions, and general guidance for similar platforms, here’s how one would typically go about cancelling. Specific instructions are usually found within the user’s account settings or terms and conditions.
Locating Cancellation Options
Most subscription services provide clear cancellation paths within the user’s online account.
- Account Dashboard: Look for a “My Account” or “Dashboard” section after logging in.
- Subscription Management: Within the account, there is usually a “Subscriptions,” “Membership,” or “Payment Details” area.
- Cancel Button/Link: Here, users typically find an option to manage or cancel their ongoing subscription. It might be a direct “Cancel Subscription” button or a link that leads to a cancellation process.
Contacting Customer Support
If direct online cancellation isn’t readily available or if there are issues, contacting customer support is the next step.
- Email: The Onelottery.co.uk website provides an email address:
[email protected](this seems to be a placeholder or dynamically generated email, as per common website obfuscation for spam protection, but users would see the actual address on the site). A clear, written request to cancel, including account details, should be sent. - Phone: A contact number is provided:
01865 678679. Calling during business hours (9am – 5:30pm Mon – Fri, ex Bank Holidays) is advisable for immediate assistance. - Formal Request: For clarity and record-keeping, it is always recommended to follow up any phone conversation with an email confirming the cancellation request, including the date and time of the call and the name of the representative spoken to.
Checking Terms and Conditions
Before initiating cancellation, reviewing the “Terms and Conditions” on the Onelottery.co.uk website is important. This document usually outlines: Elvetpropertyservices.co.uk Review
- Notice Period: Whether a specific notice period is required for cancellation (e.g., 7 days before the next billing cycle).
- Refund Policy: Information on whether any partial refunds are available for unused portions of a subscription, though this is rare for lottery tickets.
- Consequences of Cancellation: What happens to active tickets or entries into ongoing draws after cancellation. The terms mention: “If you opt to cancel your weekly tickets which result in you no longer holding tickets as of the closing date, you will not be eligible to participate in this prize draw.” This implies timely cancellation is key.
Monitoring Confirmation
After requesting cancellation, it’s vital to monitor for a confirmation email or message. If no confirmation is received within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with customer support to ensure the subscription has been successfully terminated to avoid further charges.
Onelottery.co.uk Pricing & Value Proposition (from a worldly perspective)
From a purely transactional standpoint, Onelottery.co.uk’s pricing model is straightforward: tickets are priced at £1 per week. The value proposition, from a non-Islamic, worldly perspective, is framed around the dual benefits of potential monetary gain and charitable contribution. However, when critically examined, the “value” for the participant is highly debatable, especially given the odds.
Breakdown of the £1 Ticket
The website states that 50p from every £1 ticket sold goes to the chosen good cause. This means the remaining 50p covers the platform’s operational costs, prize fund contribution, and potentially a profit margin for Gatherwell Limited.
- Participant’s Cost: £1 per week, or £52 per year for continuous play.
- Charitable Contribution: 50% of the ticket price.
- Prize Fund/Operating Costs: The remaining 50%.
The “Value” of Winning
The top prize is advertised as £25,000 every week. Additionally, there are promotional prizes, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming bundle or a £1,000 cash alternative, as highlighted in their June 2025 promotion.
- Extremely Low Odds: The fundamental issue with any lottery is the astronomically low probability of winning a significant prize. While the site doesn’t publish the exact odds, for a £25,000 jackpot, especially when contrasted with the much larger National Lottery, the chances are still incredibly slim. For instance, the odds of winning the UK National Lottery Lotto jackpot are roughly 1 in 45 million. While Onelottery’s scale is smaller, the principle of winning remains highly improbable.
- Negative Expected Value: From a statistical standpoint, participating in a lottery has a negative expected value. This means that, on average, a participant can expect to lose money over time. For every £1 spent, the “return” in terms of expected winnings is significantly less than £1. This is how lotteries generate revenue for their operators and causes.
“No Risk Option” for Causes
For the “good causes” themselves, the platform offers a “no risk option” as it’s “absolutely free to set-up” and requires “no hidden charges” or “minimum player numbers.” This model makes it appealing for small community groups to raise funds without upfront investment. From their perspective, the value is in the passive income stream derived from ticket sales. Houseportraitartist.co.uk Review
Conclusion on Pricing
While £1 per week seems like a small amount, its recurring nature and the low probability of return mean it represents a consistent outflow of funds for the participant with little to no tangible return. For the chosen causes, it’s a convenient fundraising mechanism. However, for the individual participant, the “value” is primarily psychological—the hope of winning—rather than a sound financial investment or an ethical means of giving.
FAQ
What is Onelottery.co.uk?
Onelottery.co.uk is an online lottery platform in the United Kingdom that enables individuals to purchase weekly tickets for £1, with half of the proceeds going to a chosen “good cause” and the other half contributing to a weekly jackpot of up to £25,000.
Is Onelottery.co.uk permissible in Islam?
No, Onelottery.co.uk is not permissible in Islam. It operates as a lottery, which is a form of gambling (Maysir), and gambling is explicitly prohibited in the Quran and Sunnah due to its inherent risks, fostering of greed, and potential for financial and social harm.
Who operates Onelottery.co.uk?
Onelottery.co.uk is operated by Gatherwell Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 08675983.
How much does a ticket on Onelottery.co.uk cost?
Each ticket on Onelottery.co.uk costs £1 per week. Seelectricalservicesltd.co.uk Review
What is the maximum jackpot prize available on Onelottery.co.uk?
The maximum jackpot prize advertised on Onelottery.co.uk is £25,000, drawn weekly.
How much of the ticket price goes to the good cause?
According to Onelottery.co.uk, 50p from every £1 ticket sold goes directly to the good cause chosen by the player.
Can I win other prizes besides the jackpot on Onelottery.co.uk?
Yes, Onelottery.co.uk occasionally offers additional promotional prizes, such as gaming bundles or cash alternatives, as part of specific prize draws.
What are the eligibility requirements to play Onelottery.co.uk?
To be eligible to play Onelottery.co.uk, individuals must be residents of the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) and aged 18 years or over.
How are winners selected on Onelottery.co.uk?
Winners are selected using a random number generator (RNG) software from all eligible entries, as stated in their prize draw rules. Ehc.co.uk Review
How will I be notified if I win a prize on Onelottery.co.uk?
If you win, the promoter will notify you by telephone, email, and/or letter within two weeks of the closing date of the draw.
What happens if I don’t claim my prize within the specified time?
If a winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 28 days of being notified, the prize will be forfeited, and an alternative winner will be selected.
Can I cancel my Onelottery.co.uk subscription?
Yes, you can typically cancel your Onelottery.co.uk subscription through your online account’s subscription management section or by contacting their customer support via email or phone.
What happens to my entries if I cancel my weekly tickets on Onelottery.co.uk?
If you cancel your weekly tickets and no longer hold active tickets as of the closing date of a prize draw, you will not be eligible to participate in that prize draw.
Are there any setup costs for organisations starting their own lottery with Onelottery.co.uk?
No, Onelottery.co.uk states that it is free to set up a lottery for organisations, with no hidden charges or minimum player numbers. Premierguns.co.uk Review
What kind of organisations can use Onelottery.co.uk for fundraising?
Onelottery.co.uk states it is suitable for grassroots community organisations including charities, sports clubs, social groups, theatre and arts organisations, community venues, social enterprises, and cultural and faith-based groups.
Does Onelottery.co.uk provide marketing materials for causes?
Yes, Onelottery.co.uk indicates that they provide branded marketing materials to help organisations recruit players for their lottery.
What are some ethical alternatives to gambling for charitable giving?
Ethical alternatives include direct donations to registered charities (e.g., Islamic Relief UK), fulfilling Zakat obligations, volunteer work, or supporting ethical fundraising events like charity walks or product sales.
What are some ethical alternatives for personal recreation or financial growth?
Ethical alternatives for personal recreation or financial growth include investing in educational books or courses (e.g., Coursera), pursuing productive hobbies like Islamic art or gardening (e.g., Organic Herb Growing Kit), or engaging in halal investment and ethical business ventures.
Where can I find their privacy policy?
Onelottery.co.uk provides a link to their privacy notice directly on their website, which outlines how they use personal information.
What laws govern Onelottery.co.uk’s operations and prize draws?
The laws of England and Wales apply to Onelottery.co.uk’s rules and operations. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
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