Do Lottery Tickets Expire & How Long Do They Last? UK
If you’ve bought a lottery ticket in the UK, it’s easy to forget that these tickets don’t last forever. Understanding how long tickets remain valid and what happens to unclaimed prizes can help you navigate the rules.
In this blog post, we explain the lifespan of lottery tickets, how to check key dates, and the process for unclaimed prizes. We also highlight some of the largest prizes that are currently waiting to be claimed.
Read on to learn more about ticket validity and unclaimed prizes.
How Long Do Lottery Tickets Last?
Lottery tickets can only be used to claim a prize for a limited time. For draw-based games, there is a set period after the draw during which claims might be made, after which the prize can no longer be claimed.
All National Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date. In rare cases, if you contact the National Lottery before this period ends, it may be possible to discuss a late claim, but any extension is at the discretion of the National Lottery and subject to identity verification.
For draw-based National Lottery games in the UK, you must claim your prize within 180 days of the draw date, not from the date the ticket was purchased. The 180-day claim period always starts from the date of the draw, not when you bought the ticket, so purchasing a ticket shortly before the draw does not extend the time you have to claim a prize.
How To Find Lottery Tickets Expiry Date
If you’ve bought a lottery ticket, there are several ways to check when its claim period ends. The National Lottery website provides the dates for claiming prizes, including details of major unclaimed amounts on its Unclaimed Prizes page.
If you purchased tickets online, your National Lottery account might also help. Sections like your transaction history or “My Games” show the draw date for each ticket, which lets you work out when the ticket will no longer be valid.
Unclaimed Lottery Tickets: What Happens To Prizes?
If a prize is not claimed within the 180-day window, the National Lottery regards it as unclaimed. If a prize is not claimed within 180 days, the unclaimed prize amount and any interest earned on it is distributed to support National Lottery Projects, also known as Good Causes, across the UK.
The National Lottery’s Unclaimed Prizes page lists prizes for up to 180 days after each draw, including the final date to claim each prize; prizes older than this are automatically removed.
Largest Unclaimed Lottery Ticket
As of November 2025, the National Lottery’s listings include some substantial amounts; note that these listings are updated regularly, so amounts and claim-by dates may change over time:
- Lotto (draw 24 May 2025, draw number 3070): £1,000,000 (Match 5 + Bonus)—last date to claim: 20 November 2025.
- Lotto (draw 4 October 2025, draw number 3108): £10,633,323 (Match 6)—last date to claim: 2 April 2026.
- Set For Life (draw 16 October 2025): £10,000 per month for 1 year—last date to claim: 14 April 2026.
- EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker (draw 15 August 2025): £1,000,000—last date to claim: 11 February 2026.
These prizes are all currently listed as unclaimed on the National Lottery website.
If you choose to play the lottery, it’s important to do so responsibly. Only spend what you might reasonably afford, set personal limits, and treat playing as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income.
If it begins to affect your well-being or finances, seek support promptly. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free and confidential guidance for anyone who needs it.
*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.
