Every year in the UK, scratch card games award millions of pounds in prizes, but not all the winnings find their way into players’ pockets. For a variety of reasons, some scratch card prizes are left unclaimed, sometimes simply because tickets are lost or forgotten.
This guide explains what happens to those unclaimed prizes, who benefits, and how the process works. It is useful whether you have played scratch cards before or are just curious about where the money goes.
By understanding how scratch card games are handled in the UK, it becomes clearer how these games operate and who stands to gain when prizes are left behind.
How Long Do You Have to Claim a Scratch Card Prize?
In the UK, scratch card prizes must be claimed within a set timeframe. For National Lottery scratch cards, there are 180 days from the game’s closing date to make a claim, whether the card was bought in a shop or played online.
The closing date is when a particular game is withdrawn from sale. You can usually find it on the National Lottery website or at retailers. Once a game closes, the 180-day clock starts, and claims must be submitted before the deadline.
If you miss the deadline, claims cannot be processed. For scratch cards not run by the National Lottery, such as charity or promotional games, claim periods can differ, so it is worth checking the rules before you play. Claim steps also vary by prize value and by whether the game was played in-store or online, with larger wins sometimes requiring identification.
So, if a prize is not claimed in time, who takes responsibility for it?
Who Handles Unclaimed Scratch Card Prizes?
For National Lottery games, unclaimed scratch card prizes are handled by the National Lottery operator, which is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission.
For scratch cards issued by other organisations, such as charity lotteries or promotional draws, the organiser sets out how unclaimed prizes are dealt with in the game rules. These operators must still follow UK regulations designed to ensure fairness and transparency.
Details of the process for handling unclaimed prizes are set out in each game’s terms. This information is usually available at the point of sale or on the organiser’s website. If anything is unclear, checking the official rules or contacting the organiser before playing can help.
With that in mind, where does the money actually go once the claim period ends?
What Happens to the Money from Unclaimed Scratch Cards?
When a National Lottery scratch card prize goes unclaimed, the money is returned to the National Lottery for the benefit of Good Causes, not retained by retailers or kept as operator profit.
The Good Causes fund supports projects across the UK in areas such as arts, heritage, sport and community initiatives. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, billions of pounds have been raised for these programmes. In a single year, unclaimed lottery prizes have contributed tens of millions of pounds to these projects, helping to fund facilities, events and local services.
If you buy scratch cards from a charity or a promotional event, unclaimed prizes may be handled differently. Each game explains its process in the rules, which are usually available where you buy the card or on the organiser’s website.
That raises a common question: do unclaimed amounts sit around or move to future prize pools?
Do Unclaimed Scratch Card Prizes Expire or Roll Over?
Yes, unclaimed scratch card prizes expire after a set period. For National Lottery scratch cards, the window is 180 days from the game’s closing date.
Unlike some draw-based games, scratch card prizes do not roll over to future games or jackpots. If the deadline is missed, the unclaimed funds are handled according to the game rules. For National Lottery scratch cards, they are added to the Good Causes fund.
For charity or privately promoted scratch cards, the expiry period and the destination of unclaimed funds are set by the organiser and explained in the terms and conditions. It is a good idea to check this before you play.
If the rules can vary, what should players look for when choosing or checking a game?
Are There Rules for Different Types of Scratch Cards?
Yes. Scratch cards in the UK include National Lottery games, charity scratch cards and promotional cards linked to brands or events, and each type is governed by its own rules.
For National Lottery scratch cards, the operator sets game-specific rules under Gambling Commission oversight. These cover eligibility, claim periods, how prizes are paid and the evidence needed for higher-value claims. Game instructions and prize tables are printed on the card or available online.
Charity and promotional scratch cards are controlled by the issuing organisation. While the details differ, you will usually find information on prize structures, how to claim, who can play and what happens to unclaimed prizes. It is also sensible to check practical points such as deadlines, acceptable proof of purchase and what to do if a card is damaged or unreadable.
If anything in the rules seems unclear, the organiser’s website or customer support usually provides the most direct answer.
Tips for Making Sure You Don’t Miss Claiming a Prize
Keeping track of your scratch cards makes it easier to claim any prizes you are entitled to. A few simple habits can help prevent winnings from going to waste:
- Keep cards in one place, such as a wallet or a specific drawer, so they are easy to find when you want to check them.
- Check cards promptly. Retailers can usually scan them, and online results are shown straight away.
- Note the game’s closing date and set a reminder. For National Lottery scratch cards, the date is listed on the website and often in-store.
- Keep receipts where possible, or take a clear photo of both sides of the card. This can help with queries about larger prizes or damaged cards.
- Sign the back of physical cards when you get them, as this helps link the card to you.
- If you play online, make sure your account details are up to date so you receive notifications about wins or approaching deadlines.
Unclaimed scratch card prizes do not stay with retailers or vanish. They are directed according to the rules, and for National Lottery games they help fund Good Causes across the UK. Knowing the timelines and where to find the rules means any prize you are due does not go unclaimed. Only spend what you can afford 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.