The National Lottery remains a popular choice across the UK, with millions of people taking part in weekly draws. And while the odds of hitting the jackpot are low, plenty still enjoy the experience of taking part.
With busy routines, it’s not uncommon to leave things to the last minute—so knowing when ticket sales close can save you from missing out if you’re interested in participating.
In this article, we’ll explain the cut-off times, how draw schedules work, and what else to keep in mind when buying a lottery ticket in the UK.
How Late Can You Buy A Lottery Ticket?
If you're planning to enter a National Lottery draw, you’ll need to buy your ticket by 7:30 pm on the day of the draw. This cut-off time applies to all official UK lottery games, including EuroMillions and Thunderball. 
After 7:30 pm, ticket sales close, and any attempts to buy after that point won’t count towards the current draw. Most licensed retailers and online platforms automatically prevent purchases beyond the deadline.
You’ll also need to be over 18 to play, in line with UK gambling laws. So if you're thinking of taking part, it’s worth keeping the time in mind to make sure your ticket is entered on time.
When Does The Lottery Close?
For players considering purchasing tickets for a National Lottery draw game, it helps to know when ticket sales are open. Draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday, and on those days, sales close at 7:30 pm sharp, as mentioned previously.
On other days, you can usually buy tickets online from around 6 am to 11 pm. If you prefer to buy in-store, it depends on the shop’s opening hours—many stay open until about 8:30 pm, but this may vary, so it’s worth checking locally. Just keep in mind that even if a shop is still open, you won’t be able to buy a ticket for that evening’s draw after the 7:30 pm cut-off.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Lottery Ticket?
The best time to buy a lottery ticket is what ever time suits you best. However, it’s a good idea to buy your ticket well before the 7:30 pm deadline on draw days. Leaving it too late might mean running into long queues at 
the shop or technical hiccups online, especially when lots of people are trying to get their tickets at the same time.
Planning ahead can make things much smoother. Buying earlier in the day, or choosing to play online, can help make sure your entry is processed without any last-minute stress. And if you do happen to miss a draw, the next one is only a few days away.
Does It Matter What Time You Buy A Lottery Ticket?
If you're wondering whether buying your ticket earlier or later changes your chances of winning, it doesn’t. Your odds stay the same whether you buy it days ahead or just before the cut-off.
The key thing is that your ticket is bought before the deadline. Only valid entries made in time are included in the draw, which is completely random.
That said, as mentioned earlier, buying earlier can help you avoid any last-minute issues, whether you're playing in-store or online.
If you choose to play the lottery, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind, and never wager more than you are willing 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.