Age to Play

An important change has happened

Players must now be 18 or over to play National Lottery games. This is in line with the government’s decision to raise the legal minimum age of play, which we fully support. This applies to playing online and in a store.

Any tickets bought in line with the relevant Rules and Procedures before 22nd April 2021 are still valid and prizes can be claimed during the relevant claim period.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the age of play change come into effect?

This change comes into effect on 22nd April 2021. From this date, those under the age of 18 will no longer be able to play National Lottery games online, on the National Lottery app or in a retail store.

Customers who are aged 16 or over but under the age of 18 on 22nd April 2021, and who have an existing National Lottery account, will be unable to play any National Lottery games and will not be able to add funds to their account. However, they will be able to access their National Lottery account until 30th November 2021 in order to check results, review transactions, claim prizes, update their details and withdraw funds.

I am under 18, will I still be able to access my account?

You will still be able to access your account up to and including 30th November 2021 in order to check results, review transactions, claim prizes, update your details and withdraw funds.

If you are still under the age of 18 on 30th November 2021, your account will be closed the following day. You will be able to create a new account if you wish, once you turn 18. If you turn 18 on or before 30th November 2021, your account will be fully available from the date you turn 18 and you can resume playing.

Does this change apply to draw games, Instant Win Games and Scratchcards?

Yes, the change applies to all National Lottery games.

Can under-18s still buy tickets in a shop?

No, from 22nd April 2021, those under the age of 18 will no longer be able to play National Lottery games, whether that’s online, on the National Lottery app or in a retail store.

I run a syndicate - how does this affect me?

If you run a syndicate, you must ensure that all of your members are 18 or over from 22nd April 2021. Those under the age of 18 are not eligible to play National Lottery games from 22nd April 2021, or win prizes on tickets bought after that date. If you are under 18 and run a syndicate, you will need to transfer this role to another member of the syndicate and can no longer be a member of the syndicate.

I am under 18, will I still be able to claim a prize?

Any National Lottery games you have played in line with the relevant Rules and Procedures before 22nd April 2021 will be valid and prizes can be claimed during the relevant claim period.

I am under 18, will I still be able to amend my card details for claims?

Yes, you can still amend your card details up to and including 30th November 2021. If you are still under 18 on 30th November 2021, your account will be closed the following day.

What if I turn 18 before my account is closed?

If you turn 18 on or before 30th November 2021, you can start playing National Lottery games again from your 18th birthday, if you wish to do so.

If I set up a new account in the future how can I prove I am 18?

If you choose to set up a new account once you turn 18, we carry out our own age verification checks via Experian.

Age verification is also carried out when you claim for high tier prizes (over £50,000). You will be asked to provide ID that includes your date of birth, such as a passport, driving licence or birth certificate.

If I am under 18 what happens to my Direct Debit?

Direct Debits for players under the age of 18 will be cancelled before 22nd April 2021. If you have a Direct Debit set up and are under the age of 18 on 22nd April 2021, we'll be contacting you directly to inform you of the changes.

I am over 18, will I be affected at all?

We’ve tried to ensure there is minimal impact for players who are over 18. You will be able to continue to play and claim prizes on National Lottery games through all the usual methods (play slip, Lucky Dip, FastPay and Scratchcards). Most National Lottery retailers will be able to update your current FastPay card when you visit a store to play on or after 22nd April 2021. If they are unable to, please visit another National Lottery retailer.

Will my FastPay card still be valid?

No, your FastPay card will need to be updated. When presenting your FastPay card at a National Lottery retailer on or after 22nd April 2021, the card will be rejected. However, in the vast majority of National Lottery stores, the terminal will prompt the retailer to issue a new FastPay card for you, along with your FastPay tickets. In the small number of stores where the retailer is unable to update your FastPay card, they should let you know the nearest store that can.

Will my play slip still be valid?

You can continue to use the 16+ slip until 1st September 2021. After this date, that play slip will be invalid and you must use a new 18+ play slip, which will be available from your retailer’s National Lottery playstation.

Why does the back of my Scratchcard say you have to be 18 plus when the current age limit is 16 plus?

For logistical reasons, some Scratchcards with the 18+ message were distributed to retail stores before the age to play change date of 22nd April 2021. All Scratchcards labelled as 16+ are still valid to be played before this date.

What happens if I win a Lotto Match 2 prize after 22nd April 2021?

If you are aged 16 or 17 and bought a Lotto ticket before 22nd April 2021 and have won a Match 2 prize, you can claim this at a retail store in the normal way (during the relevant claim period). Your Match 2 prize of a free Lucky Dip ticket will be valid for draws after 22nd April 2021. We recommend that you claim these prizes as soon as possible. If you bought your winning Lotto ticket online, you will automatically be entered into the next draw.