It’s all too easy to buy a lottery ticket or scratch card, tuck it away in a drawer or wallet, and forget about it—only to find it much later and wonder if it’s still valid. One important detail that often gets overlooked is that there’s a fixed timeframe for claiming any prize.
Whether you play every week or just now and again, it’s beneficial to know how long your ticket or scratch card remains valid in case you win. Each game has its own rules, and missing the deadline—even by a single day—can mean losing out on any potential winnings.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how long UK lottery tickets and scratch cards are valid for, where to find the expiry date, and whether it’s still possible to claim a prize after it’s expired. We’ll also cover how expiry rules vary between games, and what to do if your winning scratch card is damaged or torn.
Read on for a clear breakdown of what you need to know.
Lottery Tickets Expiry Dates Explained
In the UK, lottery tickets come with a fixed expiry date, set by the National Lottery operator. For most games, you have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim any prize—this applies whether your ticket is paper-based or digital.
Once the 180-day window passes, any unclaimed prizes can no longer be collected, and the funds may be redirected to good causes in line with the lottery’s terms.
To avoid missing out, if you’ve bought a ticket, you might want to make a note of when it was purchased and check the results soon after the draw. While the 180-day rule is standard across most games, there may be slight variations, so it’s worth checking the individual terms for each game you play.
Where to Find the Expiry Date on Your Ticket
If you’re ever unsure about how long you have to claim a potential prize, knowing where to check for expiry information can make all the difference. In most cases, the date or relevant claim details are printed near the draw date or tucked into the small print, usually on the back of the ticket or scratch card.
If you play online, you can usually view your ticket details in your account. The official lottery website also lists terms and deadlines for each game, which can be beneficial if you want to double-check.
If you’ve bought a ticket in person and can’t see the expiry date, it might be worth asking the retailer or visiting the provider’s website for clarification.
Can You Still Cash In a Lottery Ticket After It’s Expired?
If you purchased a lottery ticket and it has passed its expiry date, unfortunately, you won’t be able to claim any prize from it if you won anything. In the UK, lottery operators and retailers strictly enforce these deadlines, so even if your ticket is a winner, it won’t be accepted once the valid claim period has ended.
If you’re ever unsure whether your ticket is still valid or close to expiring, it’s a good idea to contact the lottery operator before trying to claim. This way, you can get clear information and avoid any disappointment. Just keep in mind that these time limits tend to be firm and strictly applied.
How Long Do Scratch Cards Stay Valid For?
Scratch cards come with a set claim period, similar to lottery tickets, but there’s a slight difference. You usually have 180 days from the official closing date of the scratch card game to claim a prize if you have a winning scratch card.
Once this 180-day window has passed, winnings from that game can no longer be paid out. Unclaimed prizes are typically handled by the operator in line with the same process used for lottery ticket prizes.
You can often find information about the claim period printed on the back of your scratch card. Additionally, the National Lottery website keeps an updated list of closed scratch card games along with their final claim dates, which can be a handy reference if you’re checking your own cards.
Do Different Games Have Different Expiry Dates?
There isn’t a single claim period that applies to all lotteries and scratch cards across the UK. While many National Lottery games—like Lotto and EuroMillions—generally have a standard 180-day claim window, other games, including regional or charity lotteries, may have different expiry dates.
If you play a variety of games, it’s important to check the specific rules for each one. You’ll usually find details about claim periods on the ticket itself, in accompanying leaflets, or on the official lottery operator’s website.
By keeping an eye on the expiry dates for the games you take part in, you can avoid any confusion and make sure you claim any winnings in time if you happen to win anything.
Claiming Winnings From Damaged or Ripped Scratch Cards
If you have a damaged or ripped scratch card, you might still be able to claim a prize—provided the important information, like the security code and the winning symbols, is still visible and legible. UK lottery operators will need to check these details to verify your claim.
Usually, you’ll be asked to take the card to a retailer, who may then send it on to the lottery operator for further verification. In some cases, you might need to send the card directly to the prize validation team yourself.
If key details such as the security number or barcode are missing or unreadable, it’s unlikely that your claim can be processed. For specific advice, check the instructions printed on the card or get in touch with the lottery operator.
Now that you understand how long lottery tickets and scratch cards remain valid in the UK—and how to check and claim prizes on time if you have a winning ticket or card—you’re better prepared to make sure you don’t miss out. If you have any more questions, you can find further information and support on the National Lottery’s official website.
*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.