What Time Does the National Lottery App Close Each Night?
If you use the National Lottery app, knowing when ticket sales stop can help you plan ahead and avoid missing a draw.
This guide explains when the app pauses sales, what happens after the cut-off, and how to check results. It’s written for anyone new to the app or simply curious about how it works. By the end, you’ll better understand when you can play, when you can’t, and how to stay informed without confusion.
Does the National Lottery App Close at the Same Time as Ticket Sales?
The National Lottery app doesn’t fully close overnight, but some functions do pause at specific times.
You can browse the app at any hour, yet account access is restricted between 2am and 6am. During this short maintenance window, you won’t be able to sign in, buy tickets or play Instant Win Games.
Ticket sales for draw-based games are available daily from 6am until 11pm, except on draw days when sales close earlier at 7:30 pm. This applies to the Lotto, EuroMillions, Set For Life and the Thunderball. Any tickets purchased after 7:30pm on a draw day are automatically entered into the next scheduled draw instead.
These closing times ensure that all entries are processed before each draw begins. Once the draw is underway, ticket purchases remain unavailable until sales reopen later that night or the following morning.
National Lottery App Closing Times for Different Draws
Each game has specific draw days, but they all share the same sales cut-off time of 7:30pm on those days.
- Lotto – Closes at 7:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- EuroMillions – Closes at 7:30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Set For Life – Closes at 7:30pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
- Thunderball – Closes at 7:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
If you try to buy a ticket after 7:30pm on a draw day, the app should confirm that sales have closed and show when they reopen. Tickets bought after this time are entered into the next available draw.
Instant Win Games and online scratchcards work differently. These don’t rely on live number draws and can be played for longer hours each day. However, short pauses may occur for updates or maintenance, and messages within the app should explain if a game is temporarily unavailable.
Can You Still Check Results on the App After Closing?
Yes. Even when ticket sales are paused, you can still use the National Lottery app to check results and see if you’ve won. Once the official winning numbers are confirmed, your account should automatically update with any potential prizes you might have matched.
If you bought your ticket online through the app or website, the result should appear in your play history shortly after the draw has been verified. You’ll be able to see whether your entry has won and, if so, the amount of any prize credited to your account.
If you bought a lottery ticket in a shop, you can still use the app’s ticket scanner to check the result. Simply open the scanner tool within the app and use your device’s camera to scan the barcode printed on your ticket. The app will then display whether it’s a winning ticket once results are available.
For draw-based games, results only appear after the official draw has taken place. By contrast, Instant Win Games—which are played online—reveal the outcome immediately once you’ve completed the game. Both draw-based and instant win games are entirely games of chance, meaning results are random and cannot be influenced by timing, strategy or previous outcomes.
Tips for Managing Your Play Around App Closing Times
Here are a few practical ways to make sure you don’t miss a draw or get caught by closing times:
- Check the game schedule before you play, as each draw happens on different days.
- Buy tickets earlier in the day to avoid connection delays near the 7:30pm cut-off.
- Keep your account topped up or payment method verified ahead of time so transactions process smoothly.
- Review game rules and payout information before entering. Lottery and scratchcard games differ in prize structures, entry costs, and odds of winning.
- Watch for notifications or messages in the app that mention updates or maintenance periods.
All National Lottery games are based on random outcomes. There is no “best” or “worst” game, as preferences depend on what you find enjoyable.
The odds of winning vary — for example, the chance of matching all six numbers in the Lotto is about 1 in 45 million. Smaller prizes tend to be more common, but there’s no way to guarantee a result.
If you choose to play, treat it as entertainment. Spend only what you can afford and take breaks if you find yourself playing more often than you’d like. The app includes optional tools, such as deposit and spend limits, if you want extra support managing how much you play.
*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.
