Receiving an email about a big win on the National Lottery can raise questions—particularly around whether the message is genuine and what to do next. While some emails come directly from official sources, others may be misleading, so it helps to understand how to tell the difference.
If you’ve taken part in a draw online, you might be curious about how winners are contacted, how to check if a win notification is real, and what steps usually follow.
In this post, we’ll explain what a genuine National Lottery “big win” email tends to include, how the organisation contacts winners, and what happens after a prize is confirmed. Read on to learn more.
Spotting a Genuine National Lottery Big Win Email
If you receive an email claiming you’ve won a prize on the National Lottery, there are a few things you can check to help decide whether it’s genuine.
A real message will usually come from an official email address, ending in “@national-lottery.co.uk”. It should also include your name, rather than a vague or generic greeting.
You wouldn’t be asked to share any bank details or to pay a fee in order to claim a prize. Instead, the email will likely direct you to log in to your account via the official National Lottery website, rather than providing clickable links.
Spelling and grammar in legitimate emails are typically accurate, and the message should clearly refer to the specific draw and your ticket.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s a good idea to avoid clicking on any links and go straight to the National Lottery site by typing the address yourself. That way, you can check your account securely and see the most reliable information.
“You’ve Won A Prize On The National Lottery”
If you ever receive an email with the subject line “You’ve Won a Prize on the National Lottery”, it’s usually because you’ve entered a draw online and there’s a result linked to your ticket.
These messages typically include the draw name and date. Rather than giving all the details in the email itself, it will ask you to log into your National Lottery account to view the outcome securely.
The best way to confirm whether a message is genuine is to access your account directly through the official National Lottery website. Genuine emails won’t ask for your password, payment details, or any sensitive information in a reply.
How National Lottery Contacts Lucky Winners
If you ever win a prize, how you're contacted by the National Lottery will depend on how you bought your ticket.
If you entered online or through the app, you’d typically receive an email from the official “@national-lottery.co.uk” address, asking you to log in to your account to view the full details.
If you bought your ticket in a shop, smaller prizes can usually be claimed at the counter. For larger amounts, you’d be asked to call the National Lottery to begin the claims process.
In the case of very large wins—such as a jackpot—you might receive a phone call from a National Lottery team member. However, no matter the amount, you’ll never be asked to share bank details or pay a fee by email.
All contact from the National Lottery should feel clear and professional, without urgency or pressure. If you hold on to your ticket or login details and follow the official steps, it helps ensure the process stays straightforward and secure.
What Happens After a National Lottery Win Email
If you receive a National Lottery email saying you’ve won, the next step would be to log in to your account through the official website or app. This is where you’d find the confirmed amount if you’ve won and see any instructions for claiming your prize.
For smaller wins, the money is usually added straight to your online account, where you can choose to withdraw it to your bank. If the amount is higher, you might be asked to provide identification or speak to a National Lottery representative. Any requests like this would appear securely within your account, not in a general email.
If something doesn’t look right, it’s best to avoid clicking links in the message and instead go directly to the National Lottery website to log in. This helps make sure you’re getting accurate, up-to-date information.
How Soon Are Lottery Winnings Paid Out?
If you ever win a prize through the National Lottery, the time it takes to receive your winnings can vary based on how you played and how much you've won.
For online tickets, smaller prizes are typically added to your National Lottery account within a few hours of the results being confirmed. From there, withdrawing the funds to your bank might take a bit longer, depending on how quickly your bank processes payments.
If you win a larger amount, there may be extra steps involved, such as verifying your identity or speaking to someone from the National Lottery team. For the biggest prizes, this could include a phone call or even a visit in person to guide you through the process.
If you bought your ticket in a shop, small prizes can usually be claimed at the counter. For anything larger, you’d need to follow the National Lottery’s claims process.
Once all the necessary checks are complete, the National Lottery aims to issue payments as promptly as possible. If you’re ever unsure about any step, support and guidance are available, so you can stay informed at each stage.
If you intend to play the lottery, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never spend more than you are willing to lose.
**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.