Allwyn, the operator of the National Lottery, today confirmed the temporarily pause will start on 11pm Saturday night – following the Lotto and Thunderball draws – and will last until late Monday morning
National Lottery enthusiasts will find themselves unable to purchase tickets or collect winnings from this Saturday evening through to Monday morning owing to a substantial system overhaul.
Allwyn, which operates the National Lottery, has today announced that the temporary suspension will commence at 11pm on Saturday night – after the Lotto and Thunderball draws have concluded – and will continue until late Monday morning.
The disruption will affect both the National Lottery website and mobile application, alongside retail outlets, meaning punters won’t be able to secure a National Lottery ticket from their neighbourhood shop throughout this timeframe. However, customers will still have the option to buy scratchcards.
Players will also retain the ability to verify National Lottery results up until the systems are taken offline. According to Allwyn, this system enhancement represents the most significant upgrade since the lottery’s inception in 1994.
The development follows Royal Mail’s implementation of a major delivery policy alteration affecting millions of households across the UK this week, reports the Mirror.
Among the modifications is a “fresh new look” for The National Lottery across 43,500 retail establishments throughout the UK, alongside the introduction of direct bank transfers for retail prize payments for the first time. Previously, such winnings were distributed via cheque.
Prize winners will be required to complete their claim form online and upload a photograph of their victorious ticket. Subsequently, they’ll receive an email containing a link to submit their banking details.
Additional playing methods will also be introduced, encompassing home delivery services and availability at all Aldi self-service tills. Moreover, there will be over 200 new instant games on offer.
Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn, remarked: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver The National Lottery that the UK deserves. 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.
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“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.”
In 2024, Allwyn assumed the role of operator for the National Lottery, taking over from Camelot who had been at the helm since the lottery’s inception in the UK back in 1994.
Owned by Czech energy magnate Karel Komarek, Allwyn Entertainment is a gambling conglomerate with operations spanning several European countries, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, and Italy.
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