Scratch cards are a popular form of lottery game, offering the chance for instant results and a range of possible prizes. While they're easy to buy and play, the rules around when shops stop selling them, or when you can cash in a winning card, can be less clear.
Understanding these cut-off times can help you stay informed and avoid any confusion at the counter. Read on to find out what you need to know about scratch card sales and payout times.
What Time Do Shops Stop Selling Scratch Cards?
The time shops stop selling scratch cards may vary, depending largely on the store's own closing time and the policies of the retail chain. In many cases, shops switch off their National Lottery terminals and close their scratch card counters shortly before closing, which brings sales and cashing of lottery products to an end for the day.
However, it’s worth knowing that scratch cards don’t always require the terminal to be active in order to be sold. Because of this, the exact cut-off time for buying a scratch card may differ from one shop to another. If you're unsure, it’s a good idea to check with your local store to see what time they stop offering scratch cards.
Can You Buy Scratch Cards After 8pm?
Whether it is possible to buy scratch cards after 8pm depends on each shop’s own policies and opening hours. Some stores may stop selling them around this time, especially if they’re preparing to close for the evening. However, other shops, particularly those that stay open late or operate 24 hours, may continue to sell scratch cards well beyond 8pm.
If you're planning to buy a scratch card later in the day, it’s best to check with your local store to see what their specific cut-off time is.
What Time Do Shops Stop Cashing Scratch Cards?
The time shops stop cashing scratch cards often depends on when they close for the day. In most cases, once the National Lottery terminal is switched off, the store can no longer pay out prizes for scratch cards or other National Lottery games.
That said, some shops may choose to stop cashing scratch cards a little earlier than their official closing time. This may vary between stores, so if you have a prize you want to claim, it’s a good idea to check in advance with your local shop to avoid missing their cut-off.
Where Can I Claim My Scratch Card Winnings?
If you have scratch card winnings to collect, you can usually claim them at the shop where you bought the card.
For smaller prizes, most retailers are able to pay out on the spot. However, the amount a shop can pay may be limited by how much cash they have available or their store policy.
If you’ve won a larger prize, you may need to claim it directly through the National Lottery, either by post or in person, depending on the amount. It’s always a good idea to check the back of the scratch card or visit the National Lottery website for full details on how to claim.
Claim Scratch Card Winnings Online: Is It Possible?
Yes, it is possible to claim scratch card winnings online, provided the card was bought and played online in the first place. This may be a convenient option, particularly for those who prefer not to rely on shop opening hours or wonder whether a store is still selling or cashing scratch cards.
There are many licensed websites that offer online scratch cards, often alongside a wide selection of other casino-style games. These platforms may also feature competitive odds and welcome offers for new players. If you play and win online, your winnings are usually credited directly to your account.
However, if you’ve bought a physical scratch card from a shop and won something, you won’t be able to claim your winnings online. In that case, you’ll need to return to the store to verify and claim your prize. For larger wins that a retailer can’t pay out, you may need to contact the game’s operator directly for further instructions.
How Much Can a Shop Pay Out On a Scratch Card?
The amount a shop can pay out on a scratch card win varies depending on the store’s policy, how much cash they have available, and the guidelines set by the lottery operator. In most cases, retailers are able to pay out prizes up to £500.
If you win more than that, you’ll usually need to claim your prize directly from the lottery operator by completing a Prize Claim Form. For very large wins, additional steps, such as identity verification, may also be required. It’s always a good idea to check the specific claim instructions on the back of the card or visit the lottery operator’s website for up-to-date information.
Conclusion
The times for buying and cashing scratch cards may vary depending on the store and its specific policies. In 24-hour shops, you’ll often be able to buy and cash scratch cards at any time, but for stores with set opening and closing hours, these activities are usually tied to those times. To avoid any confusion or disappointment, it’s always a good idea to check with the store directly.
If you have winnings to claim, be sure to claim them within the stipulated timeframe—usually within 180 days from the game’s closure date—to ensure you don’t miss out.
Finally, always remember to approach scratch cards with responsible gambling practices in mind, and only spend what you are comfortable with losing.
*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.