Guide to General National Lottery Scratchcard Game Rules
National Lottery scratchcards typically have simple game play mechanics, but behind every game is a detailed set of rules that govern how prizes work, how tickets are validated, what happens if a card is lost or damaged, and how games are closed. This guide breaks everything down into clear, player‑friendly language.
1. How Scratchcard Games Are Governed
Every scratchcard is controlled by three layers of rules:
- Rules for Scratchcard Games — the universal rules that apply to all scratchcards
- Game Procedures — the specific rules for each individual game (prize table, odds, symbols, instructions)
- Game Specific Rules — extra rules for certain games if needed
These documents define:
- how prizes are awarded
- how tickets are validated
- how disputes are handled
- how games are closed
2. Print Runs and Reprints
Scratchcards are printed in fixed batches called print runs. Each print run has:
- a fixed number of tickets
- a fixed number of prizes
- its own odds
- its own prize table
“**” — A New Print Run Has Been Printed
This symbol means:
- a new batch of tickets has been printed
- new prizes — including new top prizes — have been added
- the game remains fully active
Odds Can Change Between Print Runs
The National Lottery allows odds to vary between print runs.
The permitted variation ranges from small changes on low‑tier prizes to larger changes on high‑tier prizes.
Allowed Odds Variation Between Print Runs
| Prize Tier | Maximum Allowed Variation |
| Low‑tier prizes (£1–£20) | ±5% |
| £100 prizes | ±8.91% |
| £200 prizes | ±13.08% |
| High‑tier prizes (£1,000+) | ±36.55% |
3. “***” — The Dead Jackpot Warning
When all top prizes have been claimed, the game is marked with:
“***” — The Last Top Prize Has Been Claimed
This means:
- the jackpot is gone
- no new packs can be distributed
- retailers may sell only existing stock
- the game is still playable, but not worth chasing
Scratchcard.ai automatically flags these games as Avoid.
(See the separate guide: Dead Jackpots — The Scratchcard Issue Many Players Are Shocked to Discover)
4. Prize Structure and Prize Value
Each scratchcard game publishes:
- the total prize fund
- the percentage of ticket sales returned as prizes
- the number of prizes at each tier
- the odds of winning each prize
Important points:
- Odds are based on the entire print run, not individual cards.
- You can win multiple prizes on one card if the game allows it.
- The prize structure resets with each new print run (**).
5. Claiming a Prize
There are three ways to claim a prize:
Retailer Claims (Small Prizes)
- Retailers can pay prizes up to £100 immediately.
- Some retailers can pay up to £500.
Post Office Claims (Medium Prizes)
- Prizes up to £50,000 can be claimed at designated Post Offices.
- ID and a claim form are required.
Direct Claim to Allwyn (Large Prizes)
- Prizes over £50,000 must be claimed directly from Allwyn.
- A validation appointment is arranged.
- The card is checked under secure conditions.
6. Payment of Prizes
Depending on the prize amount:
- Small prizes — paid in cash by retailers
- Medium prizes — paid by cheque or bank transfer
- Large prizes — paid by bank transfer only
- Group wins — require a Group Agreement signed by all members
Under‑18s cannot claim prizes; the prize becomes void.
7. Lost Scratchcards
If you lose a scratchcard:
- The National Lottery cannot pay out without the physical ticket.
- A lost card cannot be replaced, even with a receipt.
- Photos, scans, or damaged fragments are not accepted as proof.
The only exception is if the card was lost after being validated (rare and only applies in-store).
8. Found Scratchcards
If you find a scratchcard:
- The prize belongs to whoever holds the physical ticket.
- If the card is unsigned, it is treated as bearer‑owned.
- If the card is signed, the signature determines ownership.
- Allwyn may investigate if fraud or theft is suspected.
This is why the rules recommend signing the back of your card.
9. Damaged, Defaced, or Tampered Cards
A scratchcard must pass validation checks. If it is:
- too damaged to validate → the prize may be refused
- tampered with → the card is confiscated
- accidentally damaged but readable → Allwyn may still validate it
Validation is strict and final.
10. Ticket Validation Process
Every scratchcard must pass several checks:
- barcode scan
- serial number verification
- security pattern inspection
- anti‑fraud checks
- confirmation the prize hasn’t already been claimed
If a card fails validation:
- the operator can refuse payment
- the card may be retained
- an investigation may be opened
11. Eligibility Rules
To play or claim a prize, you must:
- be 18 or older
- be physically located in the UK or Isle of Man
- not be excluded or self‑excluded
- not be an Allwyn employee or certain contractors
12. Responsibility for Checking Tickets
The rules state:
- players are responsible for checking their own cards
- retailers are not liable for misreads
- the operator’s validation system is the final authority
13. Game Closures and Claim Deadlines
When a game is closed:
- retailers must stop selling it
- players have 180 days (6 months) to claim prizes
- after that, unclaimed prizes expire
Scratchcard.ai maintains a Game Closures page showing:
- which games are closing
- final claim deadlines
- whether jackpots remain
14. Unclaimed Prizes
Unclaimed prizes:
- are added to future prize funds
- support National Lottery Good Causes
- cannot be reclaimed after expiry
15. Disputes and Appeals
If a player disagrees with a decision:
- they can request a review
- Allwyn conducts an internal investigation
- unresolved cases can be escalated to an independent reviewer
16. Why These Rules Matter
Understanding these rules helps players:
- avoid buying cards with no jackpots
- understand how odds and prizes work
- know how to claim prizes correctly
- avoid losing out due to damage or loss
- understand why print runs matter
- make smarter decisions with real data
Scratchcard.ai seeks to make these rules transparent and easy to understand.