You might have noticed that sometimes you can’t buy a ticket or check results on the National Lottery app late in the evening. With many services now running around the clock, it’s natural to wonder if the app is open 24 hours or whether there are times when you can’t use it.
You may have your eye on a big jackpot but aren’t sure when sales stop, or perhaps you want to check your numbers before bed. Knowing how the app works overnight helps you plan and avoid missing out.
In this guide, you’ll find clear answers about opening hours, why sales pause, and what happens if you try to buy close to a deadline. Everything is explained in plain English.
What Are The National Lottery App Opening Hours?
The National Lottery app isn’t fully open all day for every service. You can log in and view some information at any time, but there are set hours for buying tickets and playing games.
Most draws, like Lotto and EuroMillions, accept ticket purchases through the app between 6am and 11pm each day. You won’t be able to buy draw tickets or Instant Win Games outside these hours, even if you can still browse or check previous results.
If you leave it until just before a draw closes, sales may be paused a little earlier to prepare for the draw. The app can also be unavailable for short periods at night after draws finish, usually for updates or maintenance.
If you tend to play late in the evening, it’s worth keeping these hours in mind to avoid last‑minute surprises, especially before a big event when more people might be trying to enter.
Ready to cut it fine? Let’s look at the exact deadlines.
What Is The Cut-Off Time For Buying Tickets On The App?
Each draw has a clear cut-off time. For Lotto and Thunderball, the last chance to buy a ticket is usually 7.30pm on the day of the draw.
EuroMillions follows the same principle, with ticket sales closing at 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you try to purchase at 7.31pm or later, the app will not accept your entry for that evening and you’ll be set for the next draw instead.
For scratch cards and Instant Win Games, play typically remains available until 11pm. After this, sales pause until the following morning.
During busy periods, such as rollovers or special events, sales can close a little earlier than usual for operational reasons. The simplest way to avoid disappointment is to make your selection well before the advertised cut-off.
Missed the deadline by a minute? Here’s what happens next.
Can I Purchase A Ticket After A Draw Has Started?
Once a draw has started, you cannot purchase a ticket for that specific draw. Ticket sales always close before the game begins, usually at 7.30pm for major draws such as Lotto, EuroMillions and Thunderball.
If you attempt to buy a ticket after the cut-off, on the app or elsewhere, your entry will be applied to the next available draw. The app confirms which draw you are entering when you select your numbers, so you always know where you stand.
This rule keeps things fair and transparent. After the draw, the app updates to show results and lets you check your tickets against the winning numbers.
If timings differ for a special or seasonal draw, you’ll see the updated schedule on the game’s home screen.
Does The National Lottery App Close For Maintenance?
Yes, the app can close for essential maintenance. This keeps everything running smoothly, applies updates and fixes any technical issues.
Maintenance typically takes place late at night or in the early hours. During these windows, certain features, such as buying tickets or playing Instant Win Games, may be unavailable. You can often still log in or view past results.
You’ll usually see an on-screen message explaining what’s happening. Planned work tends to be brief and scheduled to minimise disruption. If there’s an unexpected issue, the team may carry out unscheduled maintenance and display a notice when you try to use the app.
When maintenance is in progress, you’ll need to wait until it finishes before making a purchase or playing a game.
Are App Opening Hours Different From The Website?
The National Lottery app and the official website follow the same hours for buying tickets and playing games. Whether you use your phone or a computer, the cut-off times match.
This means the purchase window for draw games generally runs from 6am to 11pm on both platforms. If maintenance is taking place, you might find that both the app and website limit certain activities at the same time, with clear messages to explain what’s affected.
You can often still browse information or check past results outside purchase hours, but buying tickets and playing Instant Win Games only happens within the official opening times.
Wondering why a payment didn’t go through at night? The timing of your bank might be the reason.
How Payment Processing Affects Late-Night Purchases
When buying a National Lottery ticket late at night, payment processing can determine whether your purchase is accepted straight away.
Some banks and payment providers process certain transactions more slowly overnight, particularly close to or after 11pm. If you try to add funds to your National Lottery account around closing time and the payment isn’t approved instantly, your ticket cannot be confirmed for the upcoming draw.
You might see a pending status or a note that funds will appear the next morning. In that case, your entry will apply to the following draw once the payment clears.
Different payment methods can clear at different speeds. It’s always sensible to check that your payment has been processed and that you’ve received the app’s confirmation for the correct draw before assuming you are entered.
How To Check App Status And Opening Hours
If you’re unsure whether the app is open for purchases, the quickest place to check is the app itself. Notices on the home screen show when ticket sales are closed, when maintenance is underway and when services will resume.
The official website mirrors these updates. It lists opening times for each game and flags any changes during special events or unexpected downtime. If there is planned maintenance, information is often posted in advance on both platforms so you know what to expect.
If something still seems off or the issue persists, the customer care pages provide live updates, FAQs and contact options for further help.
What To Do If You Can’t Access The App At Night
If you can’t access the app at night, there’s usually a straightforward reason. Sales often pause after 11pm, and maintenance or brief updates can temporarily limit features even earlier. On-screen messages explain whether sales are paused for the night, maintenance is in progress or a technical issue is being fixed.
You can try the official website in your mobile browser to read information or view results if purchases are unavailable. If both the app and website are restricted, it’s likely planned work, and services typically resume the next morning.
If you suspect a device or connection problem, updating the app, restarting your phone or checking your internet can help. If the issue continues, the customer care team can look into it.
If gambling stops feeling manageable, free, confidential support is available at BeGambleAware.org or by calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
**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.