Lottery tickets and scratch cards are a popular and simple way to try to win prizes, but it’s easy to forget about them tucked away in a wallet or drawer. Because of this, many people wonder if these tickets and cards ever expire—and if so, how long you have to claim any winnings.
This blog post will clear up the confusion by explaining when lottery tickets and scratch cards expire, how to check their validity, and what happens if you miss the claim deadline. Read on to learn more.
Do Lottery Tickets and Scratch Cards Expire?
Yes, in the UK, lottery tickets and scratch cards do have expiry dates. Each comes with a specific period during which prizes must be claimed, and this is usually printed on the ticket itself or detailed in the terms and conditions provided at purchase.
For games organised by The National Lottery, most prizes need to be claimed within 180 days (around six months) from the date of the draw or from when the game closes. Once this deadline has passed, any winnings associated with that ticket become invalid and cannot be claimed.
If you buy a ticket, it’s important to check expiry dates and to keep them safe. Only buy from authorised retailers and take note of any information provided at the time of purchase. If you’re ever unsure about the claim period, check your ticket carefully or contact the lottery’s customer service for clarification.
How To Check Scratch Card and Lottery Ticket Expiry Dates
Finding the expiry date is usually straightforward if you know where to look. For scratch cards, the expiry details are often printed in small text on the front or back of the card. For lottery tickets, the date is typically near the bottom or on the reverse side.
Sometimes, you might only see the draw date, so you’ll need to calculate the expiry by adding the claim period, which is usually 180 days for National Lottery games.
If you’ve bought a ticket or card and can’t find a date on it, check the terms and conditions from the lottery operator—these are usually available online or from the retailer where you purchased the ticket. If you’re still uncertain, customer service can provide the details you need.
Can You Claim Winnings From Expired Tickets?
Once a lottery ticket or scratch card has passed its expiry date, you can no longer claim any prizes. Operators are strict about these deadlines to ensure fairness for all players.
If you find an expired ticket or card, it’s worth contacting customer service just to double-check, but generally, late claims are not accepted as clearly stated in the rules.
The best approach is to act promptly if you have a winning ticket or card to avoid missing your chance to claim a prize.
What Happens To Unclaimed Prizes?
Unclaimed prizes don’t simply disappear. For The National Lottery, any money from unclaimed prizes is redirected to the Good Causes fund, which supports a wide range of projects and charities across the UK.
Other lottery providers may use unclaimed funds differently—some add it to future prize pools or use it for promotional activities, depending on their specific policies.
If you want to know more about how a particular provider handles unclaimed winnings, their official terms and customer service are the best sources of information.
Found an Old Ticket: Can I Still Cash It In?
If you come across an old lottery ticket or scratch card, the first step is to check the expiry date, as explained earlier. If it’s a winning ticket or card and it’s still within the claim period, follow the instructions on the ticket to claim your prize, which may involve returning to a retailer or submitting a claim form.
Unfortunately, if the ticket has expired, the prize can no longer be claimed—which is why it’s always worth checking and acting quickly if you come across an old one.
Tips For Keeping Track of Expiry Dates
If you’re planning to play, there are a few easy ways you might keep track of your tickets and their expiry dates:
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You could jot down the expiry date on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone as soon as you buy a ticket or scratch card.
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Keeping tickets and scratch cards in a clear, dedicated spot—like a specific drawer or section of your wallet—can make them easier to find later.
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If you check the results shortly after buying, it helps make sure you don’t forget about any potential winnings.
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For online entries, logging into your account will usually show your active tickets—and some operators may even send you reminders if you haven’t claimed a prize if you’ve won one.
By staying aware of where your tickets and scratch cards are and when they expire, you’re more likely to catch any wins in time if you do have a winning ticket or scratch card and make the most of your play.
As always, if you intend to play, you should keep responsible gambling practices in mind and never spend more than you are willing to lose.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these games 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.