History of Postcode Lottery Group in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2025

The Postcode Lottery Group is a Netherlands-based international social enterprise fully owned by a non-profit foundation. It establishes and manages charitable lotteries globally, generating funds for social organizations active in culture, nature, environmental and animal protection, health, human rights, and development aid. Notably, the Postcode Lottery Group ranks as the world's third-largest private charity donor, only surpassed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.

1983: Novamedia Founded

In 1983, Boudewijn Poelmann and Annemiek Hoogenboom founded Novamedia, which later became the Postcode Lottery Group. This Dutch marketing and media company was established with the mission of supporting social organizations.

1989: Launch of the Dutch Postcode Lottery

In 1989, Boudewijn Poelmann partnered with Frank Leeman, Herman de Jong, and Simon Jelsma to launch the Dutch Postcode Lottery (Nationale Postcode Loterij). The lottery's mission is to raise funds through lottery management and public engagement in charitable giving.

1989: Dutch Postcode Lottery Launched

In 1989, the Postcode Lottery Group launched its first lottery, the Dutch Postcode Lottery (Nationale Postcode Loterij). Using postal codes as ticket numbers, it became one of the largest lotteries in the Netherlands.

2001: Nelson Mandela Becomes Ambassador

In 2001, Nelson Mandela became the first international ambassador of the Postcode Lottery Group, signifying the group's growing global influence and commitment to charitable causes.

2005: Expansion to Great Britain and Sweden

In 2005, following the Dutch subscription-based model, the Postcode Lottery Group established the People's Postcode Lottery in Great Britain and the Swedish Postcode Lottery (Svenska Postkodlotteriet).

2009: Significant Turnover and Charitable Distribution

In 2009, the charity lotteries operated by Novamedia achieved a turnover of more than €728 million, with over €364 million distributed among various charities. Since its inception, Novamedia has collected over €4 billion for more than 240 charities focused on people, nature, culture, health, and welfare.

2016: Launch of Deutsche Postcode Lotterie

In 2016, the Deutsche Postcode Lotterie was launched in Germany to raise funds for German charitable organizations.

2018: Norwegian Postcode Lottery Founded

In 2018, the Norwegian Postcode Lottery (Norsk Postkodelotteri) was founded, expanding the Postcode Lottery Group's reach.

2022: Recognition by Inside Philanthropy

In 2022, the Postcode Lottery was recognized as the "Top Global Funder You (Probably) Haven't Heard Of" by Inside Philanthropy's Philanthropy Awards (IPPAs), highlighting its significant but perhaps lesser-known contributions to global philanthropy.

2023: Major Donor to Ukraine-Related Matters

According to the Associated Press, in 2023, the Postcode Lottery Group was among the largest private donors to Ukraine-related matters, contributing 155.2 million euros to humanitarian and human rights organizations operating in Ukraine or assisting refugees. The Dutch branch donated 100.6 million euros to these organizations.

2023: Group Raised €904 Million for Charity

In 2023, the Postcode Lottery Group raised 904 million euros for charity, marking a significant contribution to social organizations.

2023: €904 Million Raised for Charities

In 2023, the Postcode Lottery Group raised €904 million (US$1 billion) for charities, marking a significant financial contribution to various charitable causes.

2024: Establishment of Canadian Postcode Lottery Foundation

In 2024, the Postcode Lottery Group announced the establishment of the Canadian Postcode Lottery Foundation in Canada, further expanding its global presence.