The National Lottery’s website and app will go offline. Players are advised to buy tickets, claim prizes, and check results before the shutdown begins. (Image: Alamy/PA)
In its biggest transformation since launching 31 years ago, the UK’s National Lottery will undergo a significant technology upgrade, temporarily halting sales, prize claims, and access to its digital platforms. Operator Allwyn confirmed that services will be unavailable for about 36 hours, starting 11 pm on Saturday until late Monday morning, as it shifts its gaming and retail systems to a modernised platform.
From 11 pm Saturday—after the Lotto and Thunderball draws—all draw game sales and prize claims will be paused in stores across the UK. Additionally, the National Lottery’s website and app will go offline. Players are advised to buy tickets, claim prizes, and check results before the shutdown begins.
“All draw tickets, result checking, and prize claims—both in-store and online—will be unavailable during this window,” Allwyn stated. However, Scratchcards will still be available, and players can view Saturday’s draws and results on the National Lottery YouTube channel until systems go offline.
The National Lottery has been powered by the same technology and in-store terminals since 2009. According to Allwyn, which assumed Camelot's 10-year operating license in February 2024, these antiquated systems have to be replaced in order to satisfy the needs of the modern digital world.
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The operator clarified that to add new games, enhance the user experience, and boost donations to public welfare, upgrading is essential.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver the National Lottery that the UK deserves,” said Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler. “We’re making unprecedented and much-needed changes, which will move us closer to achieving our vision for The National Lottery, restoring its magic and significantly increasing its positive impact on lives across the UK."
“These major upgrades will mean short-term disruption for players and our retail partners but they will allow us to deliver on our promise to bring new, exciting games, a better player experience and our commitment to double returns to Good Causes from £30m to £60m every week by the end of the 10-year licence,” she added.
Once the transition is complete, Allwyn plans to launch new games and provide a refreshed experience for both players and retailers. However, the company also noted that a “small proportion” of in-store terminals may experience delays returning online if any step in the upgrade process is interrupted.
Allwyn’s journey as the National Lottery operator has faced legal and technical delays. The transition was delayed after Allwyn had to extend the contract with the current supplier, International Games Technology (IGT), following a legal challenge IGT filed—then dropped—against the Gambling Commission for awarding the contract to Allwyn.
Due to these early delays, the company admitted it would fall short of its early targets for funding good causes in 2024. However, Allwyn remains committed to doubling its weekly contributions to £60 million throughout its licence.
