If you want to take part in any of the UK’s draw-based lottery games, knowing the ticket purchase deadlines is crucial. Whether you pop into your local shop or buy online, different rules can apply.
Below you’ll find clear details about ticket cutoff times, so you can plan ahead and ensure your entries are placed in time.
When Do UK Lottery Ticket Sales End Each Day?
For all the main UK draw-based lottery games, including the Lotto, EuroMillions, Thunderball, and Set For Life, ticket sales in shops stop at 7.30pm on the day of the draw. Buy after this time, and your ticket simply moves to the next available draw. Draws are held later in the evening, but you’ll need to get your tickets before the 7.30pm cut-off.
The same closing time applies if you’re buying tickets online. Most days, you can purchase lottery tickets online from 6am all the way until 11pm. On draw days, though, ticket sales pause at 7.30pm, resuming later that evening for the following draw.
Instant win games and scratchcards, which don’t involve draws, can have their own timeframes. If you want to make absolutely sure about less well-known games or occasional special draws, checking with the National Lottery website or asking in your local shop may be a good idea. For more on spending safely, see the reminders at the end of this article.
Wondering how shop hours affect things? Let’s take a closer look at buying tickets in person.
Shop Closing Times for Lottery Sales
In most shops, the ticket sale deadline lines up with the standard 7.30pm cutoff on draw days. Buy your ticket before this time and you’ll be in for that night’s draw.
However, actual shop opening hours depend on the retailer. Local shops or supermarkets might close earlier—especially on Sundays, bank holidays, or festive periods—so it might help to check if your usual shop is open before heading out. Some shops may not sell National Lottery tickets at all, as availability can vary.
Before making a special trip, contact your chosen shop to ask about their last ticket sale time, particularly during busier periods or holidays. This can help avoid any last-minute disappointment.
But do the same times hold true everywhere in the UK? Read on to find out.
Are Cutoff Times the Same Across the UK?
The National Lottery sets ticket sale deadlines for draw-based games nationally. This means that the 7.30pm cutoff applies whether you buy your ticket in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
That said, individual shop opening and closing times might not match the national lottery deadline, especially in rural or remote locations, or during local events and holidays. Online purchases, by contrast, stick closely to the national schedule.
For games run by local charities or other operators, different rules and deadlines can apply. It may be worth reading their own terms and conditions for these details.
To see how online ticket sales work, keep reading.
Online Lottery Ticket Sale Cutoff Times in the UK
Buying your lottery tickets online is quick and available for most eligible players, but there are still time limits to keep in mind:
-
Tickets are available online from 6am to 11pm daily.
-
On draw days, sales for that evening’s game finish at 7.30pm.
-
Any ticket purchased after 7.30pm will be for the next draw.
-
Your online account is unavailable for maintenance between 2am and 6am.
Always check the individual details for each game before you play.
Let’s break down ticket deadlines by the most popular games next.
Sales Deadlines by Game
Each draw-based National Lottery game has a set ticket purchase deadline. Whether you prefer shops or online, it’s important to know when your entry must be in. Here’s a quick breakdown:
EuroMillions
-
Sales close at 7.30pm on draw days (Tuesdays and Fridays).
-
Tickets bought after 7.30pm count for the next EuroMillions draw.
-
Draws are held later on the same evening.
Lotto
-
The deadline is 7.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday draw days.
-
Tickets processed after this time move to the next Lotto draw.
-
Draws happen shortly after cutoff.
Set For Life
-
You can enter up until 7.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
-
Any purchases after 7.30pm are for the following draw.
Thunderball
-
Thunderball is drawn Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
-
Ticket sales end at 7.30pm on each draw day.
-
Late entries roll into the next scheduled draw.
Remember, any tickets not in before the 7.30pm cutoff will go towards the next available draw.
Now, you might be wondering if buying tickets earlier might make a difference.
Is It Better To Buy Lottery Tickets Early or Late?
Buying early can help give peace of mind if you like to be organised, while last-minute purchases may suit those with busier schedules or spur-of-the-moment decisions.
There’s no difference to your chances of being drawn based on when you buy your ticket. It’s completely down to what works for you.
If you ever feel unsure or want more information about gambling responsibly, help is available and support options are straightforward to access.
So, now you know everything you need to get your lottery tickets on time—whether you buy in a local shop or play online, keeping the right cutoff times in mind can help you stay on track for each draw.
*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.