The National Lottery has announced that its online services will be unavailable for a full 24 hours this weekend as part of a significant upgrade initiative. From 11:00 PM on January 24, 2024, until the end of Sunday, players will need to visit physical retail outlets to purchase tickets and check winning numbers. This decision affects both the website and mobile applications on iOS and Android.
The upgrade is part of the Lottery’s ongoing “transformation journey” aimed at enhancing user experience while maintaining familiar features for its 11.8 million active registered players in the UK. During the offline period, players can still participate in the usual Lotto and Thunderball draws scheduled for 8:00 PM on Saturday. To buy tickets or check results, customers can visit numerous retailers, including major supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s. There are approximately 43,500 National Lottery retail outlets across the UK, providing ample access to players.
Although the website and apps will be inaccessible, players who purchase tickets at retail locations will still be able to claim winnings of up to £500 in-store during the downtime. Upon the return of online services by January 26, 2024, the operator Allwyn promises to introduce several changes. These include a new payment screen and enhancements to the overall online experience, making it easier to check results, play games, and claim prizes.
New Features and Responsible Gaming Measures
Allwyn has emphasized its commitment to responsible gaming by implementing new features designed to protect players. A mandatory personal deposit and spending limit will be set for all new customers. Additionally, all users will automatically be logged out after 60 minutes of inactivity, followed by a 10-minute cooling-off period. Players engaging with instant games will receive regular 20-minute “reality checks” to promote responsible play.
According to Allwyn’s Chief Executive, Andria Vidler, these upgrades are crucial for making the National Lottery more player-focused. Vidler stated, “These much-needed digital upgrades mark another milestone in our transformation to make The National Lottery more player-focused, with new games, more winners, and greater support for Good Causes.”
With the completion of this upgrade, Allwyn anticipates that players will experience a more streamlined and engaging online platform. Moreover, the company plans to expand its game offerings and enhance the tools available for player protection. This is seen as a stepping stone towards the ambitious goal of doubling weekly returns to Good Causes from £30 million at the start of the licence to £60 million by 2034.
As the National Lottery prepares for these changes, players are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of the remaining time to engage with online services before the scheduled downtime.
