It’s not unusual for scratch card prizes to go unclaimed. Whether someone forgets they bought a card, misplaces it, or simply doesn’t realise they’ve won, these overlooked prizes do happen. In some cases, players may also be entered into a raffle draw and miss the winning result by not checking their ticket properly.
So, what becomes of these unclaimed prizes? And how much time do you actually have to claim a win? In this Wizard Slots article, we’ll take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes when scratch card prizes go unclaimed.
Unclaimed Scratch Cards - £125 Million In Unclaimed Prizes
In 2019, reports revealed that more than £125 million in scratch card prizes went unclaimed. This surprising figure comes down to a few simple reasons—many players forget to check their cards, never scratch them fully, or overlook smaller wins they don’t feel are worth the effort to claim.
While it’s true that many scratch card prizes are relatively small—often between £2 and £20—there are also cases, while rare, where players win substantial amounts, even millions. But when thousands of people play every day and some never follow up, those unclaimed winnings quickly add up.
How Long Do You Have To Claim Scratch Card Prizes? 
Scratch cards come with a time limit for claiming any winnings, and it's important to be aware of the deadline. In most cases, if you have a winning scratch card, you have 180 days from the date of the draw or purchase to claim your prize, but this may vary depending on the lottery provider.
For example, if your scratch card is from the National Lottery, you’ll have 180 days to make your claim. Other companies may offer a shorter or longer period, so it’s always a good idea to check the terms printed on the card or on the provider’s website.
The positive news is that unclaimed prizes don’t simply disappear. In many cases, the funds are redirected to charitable causes and community initiatives across the UK.
What Happens To Unclaimed Scratch Card Prizes?
Unclaimed scratch card prizes are often redirected to support good causes across the UK. In some cases, unclaimed funds may be rolled into future prize pools,
increasing the rewards for upcoming winners. However, more commonly, this money helps fund community projects, charitable organisations, and other public initiatives.
Scratch cards aren’t the only games with unclaimed winnings—lottery draws also see significant amounts go unclaimed each year. However, because lottery prizes are usually much larger, the National Lottery may actively try to locate the winner if the prize isn’t claimed promptly.
With scratch cards, though, the prize amounts tend to be smaller, so it's unlikely anyone will come looking for you. Once the claim period has passed, the prize is no longer available, so it’s always worth checking your cards carefully and within the time frame.
Conclusion
In summary, each lottery provider has its own process for handling unclaimed scratch card prizes, but in most cases, you’ll have up to 180 days to make a claim.
According to National Lottery policy, any unclaimed prizes are held for 180 days. If they remain unclaimed after that period, the funds are donated to charitable organisations and community projects across the UK.
So, if you've ever wondered what happens to unclaimed scratch cards, they’re either returned to future prize pools or put to good use by supporting worthwhile causes.
For more on this topic, check out our article on Scratch Card Checkers. As always, remember to gamble responsibly and never spend more than you are willing to lose.
*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.