How Late Can You Buy a Lottery Ticket in Shops or Online?
Buying a lottery ticket is quick and straightforward, whether you pop into your local shop or use an online service from home. If you tend to make last-minute decisions or have a busy schedule, knowing the latest time to buy could save you the disappointment of missing out.
Read on to make sure you’re in the know about draw times, as well as other key information such as why the National Lottery App closes at night and whether or not the time of purchase matters.
What Time Do Shops Stop Selling Lottery Tickets?
Most shops that sell tickets for UK National Lottery games stop sales at 7:30pm on the day of the draw. This applies to games such as Lotto, EuroMillions, and Thunderball. The cut-off is in place to allow all entries to be processed before the draw takes place.
Sales for the next draw may resume later in the evening, often after 9pm. This depends on the retailer’s hours and whether the system has reopened. If a shop closes before 7:30pm, ticket sales will end when the shop closes. Checking local opening times could help with planning, especially during bank holidays or seasonal periods.
Lottery tickets are available from a range of outlets, including newsagents, supermarkets, and petrol stations. The cost of a standard Lotto or EuroMillions ticket remains £2 per line, while a Thunderball ticket is £1 per line. You must be at least 18 years old to buy tickets in the UK. This is in line with current legislation.
If you use the same retailer regularly, you may find it useful to ask about their specific ticket sales policy.
What’s The Latest You Can Buy Lottery Tickets Online?
When buying tickets online through the official National Lottery website or app, sales also close at 7:30pm on the day of the draw. Online platforms follow the same rules as retail outlets for cut-off times. Ticket sales for future draws usually reopen later that night once the current draw has been completed.
The cost per line remains the same online. Lotto and EuroMillions entries are £2 per line. Thunderball is £1 per line. A UK residential address is required, and all online players must confirm they are at least 18 years old.
Only the official National Lottery platform, now operated by Allwyn, is authorised to sell draw-based lottery tickets online in the UK. Other websites may offer number betting or lottery-style games, but they do not sell official tickets. It could be helpful to read the terms of any platform carefully before using it.
Why Does The Lottery App Close at Night?
The National Lottery app and website pause ticket sales each evening for operational reasons. This includes processing entries for upcoming draws and performing system maintenance. These temporary closures help ensure the service runs securely and without disruption.
While some features may be limited during this period, other functions such as viewing past results may still be available. Services usually resume later that night once the draw is complete and updates are processed.
This scheduled pause also supports player protection measures. Licensed operators are expected to follow UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) guidelines on technical maintenance and safe play environments.
Best Time To Buy Lottery Tickets: Does It Matter?
Each ticket entered into a UK National Lottery draw has the same chance of winning, no matter what time it was purchased. For example, every Lotto ticket entered into a draw has roughly a 1 in 45 million chance of matching all six main numbers.
Some people prefer to buy their tickets earlier in the day to avoid the risk of missing the cut-off. Others choose to play online when it is more convenient. Visiting shops outside of peak hours or using the app ahead of time could help avoid waiting.
If you’re exploring other lottery-style games or online platforms, draw times and rules may differ from the National Lottery. Each game has its own entry process and terms. Reviewing this information before taking part may help you decide what suits your preferences.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford 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.
 *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.