In this note, we imagine the structure and participant experience of the Improbable Lottery, broken into two distinct phases.
# Private Phase The first phase is a private, invitation-only opportunity. Participants encounter this phase via personal messages (usually a text or email), from friends already involved.
The message describes a unique, not-for-profit lottery offering a once-in-a-lifetime global journey. Unlike the typical lottery, all funds go directly into the experience itself, and the odds of winning are much higher—one in a thousand — with a £42 entry fee securing a chance to win a £42,000-valued adventure.
These personal invites come with time-limited, one-use-only links, making them feel exclusive and secretive. Clicking the link leads to a stylised web page or mobile experience — complete with animated, Matrix-style Visuals, where the recipient learns about the origins, mission, and mechanics of the lottery.
At this stage, we are offered two ways to enter: either by paying the fee outright or by pledging membership time to the community. The interface explains concepts like Hitchhikers and gives users flexibility in how they pay, either all at once or in instalments.
# Pubic Phase
In the more public second phase, we envisage a global launch of the lottery with wider advertising and reach. Here, entry options vary even more—with lower -c ost options providing slimmer chances at winning. For instance, some entries might cost as little as ten pounds or even 42p, correlating smaller contributions with larger odds.
These flexible mechanisms aim to include a broad community while still preserving the mystique and mission of the original concept. The intent is to represent a radically different take on lotteries—more communal, meaningful, and story-driven.
# See