Unclaimed Winning Scratch Cards: Expiry Dates & Prizes
Scratch cards are a common sight in the UK, offering the possibility of an instant win with just a quick reveal. However, not every winner comes forward to claim their prize in time. It’s not unusual for someone to find an old scratch card at home and wonder whether it’s still valid or if the prize has already expired.
Knowing how long scratch cards remain valid is important, as there are specific deadlines for claiming any winnings. Understanding how to check a card’s validity and what happens to unclaimed prizes can help ensure you don’t miss out.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how expiry dates work, what happens to prizes that go unclaimed, why some prizes are never collected, and what steps to take if you find a forgotten scratch card. Let’s take a closer look.
Do Scratch Cards Expire in the UK?
Yes, scratch cards issued in the UK do have expiry dates. Once a particular game is officially closed, there is a limited period during which players can claim any winnings.
The closing date is set by the National Lottery or other scratch card providers and is typically printed on the card itself or published on their official website. After this period ends, any unclaimed prizes are no longer valid, and winners will not be able to collect them.
How Long Do You Have to Claim Scratch Card Winnings?
If you have a winning scratch card, there’s a fixed period in which a claim must be made. In the UK, this is currently set at 180 days from the game’s official closing date. The closing date is determined by the provider, such as the National Lottery, and can usually be found either printed on the card or published on their website.
If a claim is made after the deadline, it won’t be accepted, regardless of the prize amount. For this reason, you might want to keep scratch cards in a safe place and check them soon after purchase, just in case they turn out to be winners.
What Happens To Unclaimed Winning Scratch Card Prizes?
If a scratch card prize is not claimed within the allowed time, the money does not go to the player. Instead, in the case of National Lottery scratch cards, any unclaimed prizes are returned to a central fund.
This central fund supports Good Causes throughout the UK, helping local projects, charities, and public services. Retailers are not allowed to pay out prizes after the claim period has ended, so it’s up to winners to claim in time.
Found Old Scratch Cards: Can You Still Claim?
If you come across an old scratch card, there’s a possibility it could still be valid, depending on whether it falls within the claim period from the game’s official closing date.
It’s worth checking the card for any printed information about the game or its closure. If those details aren’t clear or are missing, the provider’s official website or customer service team can usually confirm whether the card is still eligible for a claim.
Once a card is outside the valid claim window, it can’t be redeemed, but if there’s any uncertainty, it’s a good idea to check as soon as the card is found.
Why Do So Many Scratch Card Prizes Go Unclaimed?
There are a number of reasons why winning scratch cards sometimes go unclaimed. In some cases, cards are simply misplaced or forgotten after purchase. Smaller prizes may be overlooked, especially if players don’t check the results carefully.
It’s also possible that some players miss important information by not reading the instructions or rules in full, including how to make a claim or when the deadline falls. Others may not realise there’s a limited period in which a claim must be made.
By staying organised, checking cards thoroughly, and being aware of the rules, if you have a winning scratch card, you can help ensure that no prize is unintentionally left behind.
How to Check If a Scratch Card Is Still Valid
If you’re unsure whether a scratch card is still valid, the best place to start is by checking for any printed details on the card itself, such as the game number or official closing date. If this information isn’t clear, most providers list current and closed games on their websites, where you can search by game number or title.
If you’d prefer extra reassurance, you can contact the provider directly through their website or by phone and give them the relevant details. In some cases, shops with in-store lottery terminals may also be able to scan the card and confirm whether it’s still eligible for a claim.
If you choose to buy a scratch card, you might want to keep it somewhere safe and check it sooner rather than later. Following these steps can help avoid missing a deadline and reduce the chance of leaving a prize unclaimed.
Whether you’re sorting through old cards or double-checking one you’ve just found, understanding how expiry works makes the process simpler and gives you a better chance of claiming any winnings that may still be valid.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.