National Lottery Website and Apps Temporarily Offline for 24 Hours—Find Out When
The National Lottery will temporarily shut down its website and mobile apps for essential maintenance. This downtime will last approximately 24 hours, starting from 11 PM on Saturday, January 24, and ending the following night. During this period, players can still engage in games until the cut-off time.
Details of the Temporary Shutdown
- Start Date: 11 PM on Saturday, January 24
- End Date: Approx. 11 PM on Sunday, January 25
- Duration: 24 hours
- Platforms Affected: National Lottery website (national-lottery.co.uk) and mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Regular Draws: Lotto and Thunderball will still occur at their scheduled times.
During the maintenance window, lottery tickets will remain available for purchase at retail locations across the UK. Players can view results and prize breakdowns through YouTube and at any of the 43,500 retail outlets. In-store winnings up to £500 can be claimed as usual.
Upcoming Features and Player Enhancements
Allwyn, the operator of the National Lottery, will introduce several changes when services resume. These updates aim to enhance user experience, including:
- New payment screen interface
- Simplified process for checking results and claiming prizes
- Guidance materials like videos and FAQs to help players adapt
Players with auto-updates enabled will receive the new app version automatically. Others will be prompted to update after their next app session. Additional safety measures include mandatory deposit limits for new users, automatic logouts after 60 minutes, and periodic checks for instant game players.
Continuing Improvements in the National Lottery
This upgrade is part of Allwyn’s broader effort to enhance the National Lottery experience. The initiative includes a transition of the accounts of 11.8 million registered players to a new system. The upcoming digital channels promise a larger selection of games and improved safety features, all while maintaining a familiar environment for users.
Allwyn’s CEO, Andria Vidler, remarked on the significance of these digital advancements. She stated, “These much-needed upgrades mark another milestone in our transformation to make The National Lottery more player-focused.” The company aims to double returns to charitable causes from £30 million to £60 million weekly by 2034.
The National Lottery has previously experienced temporary pauses for significant tech upgrades, such as a 36-hour interruption last July. This latest improvement is expected to enhance player experience and set the stage for further exciting developments.
