Millions of National Lottery players across the UK have been unable to access the National Lottery app and website after the service was temporarily taken offline for a major planned technology upgrade.
The outage means players cannot currently check results, buy tickets, or log into their online accounts, raising frustration for those hoping to see if they have won big. However, the operator has confirmed the disruption is temporary and part of a wider digital overhaul.
Why the National Lottery App and Website Are Offline
The National Lottery’s operator, Allwyn, has confirmed the shutdown is due to a scheduled system upgrade designed to modernise the platform and improve the online experience for players.
The update is part of Allwyn’s long-term plan to move all 11.8 million active registered accounts onto a new digital system. According to the company, the changes aim to make playing games, checking results, and claiming prizes easier and safer.
Allwyn said the upgrade includes:
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A redesigned payment screen
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Simpler navigation across games and results
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Improved responsible gambling tools
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Stronger account security features
When Will the National Lottery App Be Back Online?
The National Lottery website and mobile apps are expected to be offline for around 24 hours.
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Services paused: 11pm on Saturday, 24 January
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Expected return: By the end of Sunday, 25 January
During this time, the iOS and Android apps, along with the official website, will remain unavailable.
Once the work is complete, players should be able to log in as normal. App users with automatic updates enabled will receive the new version automatically, while others will be prompted to update when reopening the app.
Are Lottery Draws Still Taking Place?
Yes. Despite the digital outage, all scheduled draws will go ahead as normal.
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Lotto and Thunderball draws will take place at 8pm on Saturday
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Results will still be available through:
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National Lottery retail outlets
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The National Lottery’s official YouTube channel
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However, online ticket purchases will not be possible while the app and website are offline.
Can Players Still Buy Tickets and Claim Prizes?
Yes. Players can still:
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Buy tickets in-store at any of the 43,500 National Lottery retailers across the UK
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Claim winnings of up to £500 in-store for retail-purchased tickets
Only digital services are affected by the upgrade.
What New Features Are Being Introduced?
Once the update is complete, players will notice several changes aimed at improving safety and usability, including:
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Mandatory personal deposit and spending limits for new users
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Automatic logouts after 60 minutes of inactivity
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A 10-minute cooling-off period
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Regular 20-minute “reality check” alerts for instant-win games
Allwyn says these features are designed to support responsible play while keeping the experience familiar.
What Has Allwyn Said About the Upgrade?
Allwyn chief executive Andria Vidler said the update marks a major step in the company’s transformation of the National Lottery.
She said the improvements will help make the platform more player-focused while increasing funding for good causes across the UK. Allwyn has set a long-term target to double weekly returns to good causes to £60 million by 2034.
Not the First Major Upgrade
This is not the first time the National Lottery has paused digital services. In July last year, online sales and payouts were suspended for around 36 hours during the largest technology upgrade in the Lottery’s 31-year history.
Allwyn says the current work builds on that progress and will support new games, improved protection tools, and future digital developments.
What Players Should Do Next
Players are advised to:
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Use retail outlets to buy tickets until services return
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Check official National Lottery channels for updates
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Update the app once it becomes available again
The operator says more digital improvements are planned in the months ahead.
FAQs
Why is the National Lottery app down?
The National Lottery app is offline due to a planned system upgrade by operator Allwyn. The update is designed to improve performance, security, and responsible gaming features.
When will the National Lottery app be back online?
The app and website are expected to return by the end of Sunday, 25 January, after being taken offline at 11pm on Saturday for around 24 hours.
Can I still buy National Lottery tickets while the app is down?
Yes. Players can still buy tickets in-store at National Lottery retailers across the UK while digital services are unavailable.
Are lottery draws still happening during the outage?
Yes. All scheduled draws are taking place as normal, including Lotto and Thunderball. Results will be available via retailers and official National Lottery channels.
Will I need to update the National Lottery app?
Yes. App users may need to download the latest version once services resume. Users with auto-updates enabled will receive it automatically.
