Don't do the lottery. But do do a fair number of random competitions, mostly stuff like the MCN mags, twitters stuff and other stuff linked to on Money Saving Expert forums. Just while away the time whilst watching some crap the wife has on the telly... Not won anything huge, but plenty of small stuff; Samco Hoses, show tickets, ipad, headphones, bluray player, fancy after shave etc. Key thing is no initial spend, so no loss (other than time). Some I keep, some make good birthday presents, some I flog on.