If you've ever played the UK National Lottery online or through the app, you might have found yourself checking your inbox after a draw, wondering if a message is coming your way.
Winning emails can feel mysterious if you’ve not seen one before. How fast are they sent? What do they say? And how can you tell if they’re real?
This guide explains what happens after a draw, when and how you might be contacted, and how the process works, depending on how you enter. It can help you understand what you might expect, whether you’re new to playing or just want a clearer idea of how the system works.
Does The National Lottery Always Email Winners?
If you enter the UK National Lottery online or through the official app, you may receive an email following the draw. These emails don’t give away too much. Typically, they let you know that there’s an update on your account. This is done for security reasons. You’ll be encouraged to log in and check the outcome yourself.
The exact wording can vary, but it might look something like this:
"Dear John,
There is news about your ticket. Please sign in to your National Lottery account to view the details."
The email will not say how much. It usually doesn’t include phrases like “Congratulations, you're a winner!” and will typically avoid figures or hyperlinks that seem suspicious. The message should come from an address ending in "@national-lottery.co.uk".
If you purchased a paper ticket from a retailer, you won’t receive an email. Your ticket isn’t linked to your contact details, so it’s up to you to check your numbers using the website, app, in-store scanners, or by watching the televised draw.
Depending on the game, your account preferences, and the size of any potential prize, an email might not be sent for every result. You can check your notification settings at any time by logging into your account.
Is There A Different Email For Jackpot Winners?
For any higher-tier prizes, including jackpots, the initial email won’t look that different. It may still say there's an update to your account without mentioning a win.
The reason for this is privacy and the need to verify the result before discussing details. If you’ve won a significant amount, a representative from the National Lottery may follow up with a phone call or arrange a secure meeting.
The contact method will depend on the potential prize amount, your entry type, and whether your details are up to date. For example, if your registered phone number or email address has changed and hasn't been updated in your account, reaching you might take longer.
Paper ticket players who believe they may have a jackpot win are advised to contact the National Lottery directly. You will need to keep your ticket safe and follow the steps explained by their customer services team.
What A National Lottery Big Win Email Looks Like
There isn’t a special or more elaborate email for big wins. Even for prizes over £50,000, the email will usually be straightforward.
You might see a subject line such as “News about your ticket” or “Update on your National Lottery account”. Again, the email will not show any monetary value or direct prize information.
The message content is brief and might say:
"Dear Amanda,
There is good news about your ticket. Please sign in to your account to view the details."
This is designed to protect your privacy. If your win qualifies for a larger potential payout, a National Lottery advisor may get in touch with you by phone or arrange a secure conversation to help guide you through the claim process.
These messages won’t ask you to reply, share your details, or click on suspicious links. If anything feels off, you can verify the sender by checking that the email comes from an "@national-lottery.co.uk" address and cross-check it with the official website.
How Long Does It Take For Lottery Winnings To Arrive?
How quickly you receive your winnings depends on how you entered and the size of the prize.
For online and app players:
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Winnings up to £500 are usually added to your online account automatically, often within 24 hours. You can then request a bank withdrawal, which normally takes two to three working days, depending on your bank.
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For prizes above £50,000, you will need to contact the National Lottery and they will arrange a date and time for you to claim your prize.
For retail (paper ticket) entries:
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Prizes up to £500 can typically be claimed in-store. You may be asked to sign the back of your ticket.
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Amounts over £500 might need to be claimed at selected post offices or by post. You can also contact the National Lottery directly for help with claims.
Draw-based games and scratchcards can have slightly different claiming procedures. Raffle games, which assign a unique code instead of number combinations, may also have different verification steps.
Prize values can vary across different games, so be sure to check the game-specific rules and prize breakdown before playing.
Do Small Wins Trigger An Email Too?
Yes, players using the official National Lottery website or app might still receive an email even if the amount won is relatively low, such as £10 or £25. These emails follow the same format: short and discreet.
You won’t see anything about the actual amount in the email. Instead, it encourages you to check your account. The funds, once processed, are added to your online balance. You can leave them there, withdraw to your bank, or use them to enter other games.
If your ticket was bought in a shop, there won’t be any email or automatic alert. To check for a possible win, use the barcode scanner on the app, visit the official site, or ask a retailer to check the ticket for you.
How To Tell If A Lottery Win Email Is Real Or Fake
Scam emails do exist, and it's useful to know how to spot them. A genuine National Lottery email will be plain, to the point, and sent from a valid domain like "@national-lottery.co.uk". It will not ask for personal or financial information.
Here are some warning signs:
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The message says you've won a game you didn’t enter.
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It includes spelling or grammar errors.
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It asks you to click on unknown links or share sensitive details.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t click any links. Instead, go directly to the official National Lottery website and log into your account to check for messages. You can also contact their customer care team using the details listed on their site.
Can You Claim Lottery Winnings Online?
Yes, if you played through the National Lottery’s website or app, most prizes can be claimed online.
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Prizes up to £500 are automatically credited to your account balance.
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Larger wins (£50,000 and over) involve direct contact with the National Lottery to arrange a secure payout.
Paper ticket holders will need to follow in-store or postal claiming processes, depending on the prize value. Always check the rules for the specific game you played. Raffles, scratchcards, and draw-based games may each have slightly different procedures.
Lotteries are random games of chance, and no outcome can be predicted or influenced. If you're playing, it can be helpful to only spend what you can afford to lose and keep track of your play. Support is available if you ever need help.
For more guidance on responsible play, visit BeGambleAware.org or contact the National Lottery helpline for support.
*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.