If you’ve ever bought a lottery ticket or scratch card, you might not be aware that there’s a time limit for claiming any prizes.
Understanding when a prize must be claimed is just as important as knowing how each game works. Different games and lottery providers may have their own rules, so it’s beneficial to stay informed.
This blog post outlines how expiry dates work, where to find the relevant information, and what steps to take if you come across an old ticket. Read on to learn more.
How Long Are Lottery Tickets Usually Valid For?
In the UK, most lottery tickets are valid for 180 days from the date of the draw, giving you around six months to claim any prize. The clock starts ticking from the day the draw takes place, not the date you bought the ticket.
If a prize isn’t claimed in time, it usually goes to good causes, in line with the rules set by the lottery provider.
If you’ve bought a ticket, it’s a good idea to double-check the details on it and keep it somewhere safe. If you're playing a local or charity lottery, the rules might differ slightly, so it’s worth checking the ticket itself or visiting the official website for more information.
Typical Scratch Card Expiry Windows
For National Lottery scratch cards, the usual claim period is 180 days, starting from the game’s official closing date, not the date you bought the card. The closing date marks the end of that particular game, and any prizes must be claimed within six months of that point.
You can often find the final claim date printed on the back of the scratch card or listed on the National Lottery website. If the scratch card comes from a charity or a non-National Lottery provider, different timeframes may apply, so it’s best to check the packaging or visit the provider’s website for full details.
If you’ve held on to any scratch cards, it’s worth checking both the game’s closing date and the expiry deadline to avoid missing out on a valid claim if you have a winning card.
Do Expiry Dates Vary Between Retailers or Games?
Expiry dates aren’t set by the shop where the ticket or scratch card is bought—they’re decided by the game organiser. For example, the National Lottery generally uses a standard 180-day claim period, but smaller operators or charity lotteries might follow different rules.
If you take part in different games, it’s a good idea to check the claim deadline for each one. You’ll usually find it printed on the ticket or scratch card itself, or you can visit the organiser’s official website for full details. Taking a few moments to check can help you avoid missing out on any prizes if you have a winning ticket or scratch card.
Where to Find the Expiry Info on Your Ticket
If you’ve purchased a ticket, you can usually find expiry information printed somewhere on it. It’s often located on the back, near the bottom, or in a clearly marked section. Look out for labels such as “Claim By”, “Expiry Date”, or “Valid Until”. Some tickets also include a website link where you can check the latest terms and deadlines.
If you’ve looked and still aren’t sure, it’s a good idea to visit the game provider’s website or contact their customer support for clarification. That way, you’ll know exactly how long you have to make a claim if you believe you have a winning ticket.
Can You Claim Winnings After the Expiry Date?
If you have a winning ticket or scratch card and the expiry date has passed, you wouldn’t be able to claim any winnings from it. This rule is set by the game organiser and applies in all cases, regardless of why the claim is late.
If you’re ever unsure about a deadline or think you might be close to it, it’s worth getting in touch with the provider’s customer service team for clarification. Just keep in mind that once the claim period has ended, exceptions are rarely—if ever—made.
What Happens to Expired Winnings?
If a prize isn’t claimed in time, what happens next depends on the organiser’s rules. For National Lottery games, any unclaimed winnings are passed to the Good Causes fund, which supports a wide range of community and charitable projects across the UK.
Other providers, such as charity lotteries, may return unclaimed prizes to their core causes or programmes, in line with their own terms.
By keeping an eye on expiry dates and claiming prizes within the allowed time, you help keep the process clear and consistent. If you're ever unsure, you can find more information on your ticket or by visiting the organiser’s official website.
As always, if you intend to play the lottery or scratch cards, do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never spend more than you are willing to lose.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.