Do Scratch Cards Expire & What Happens To Unclaimed Prizes?
Scratch cards are a popular way for people in the UK to take part in games that offer the chance to win prizes. However, there is often some confusion about how long these cards remain valid and what happens to prizes that aren’t claimed within the time limit.
In this post, we’ll explain how long scratch cards are valid for, how players can claim any winnings, and where unclaimed prizes go once the deadline has passed. Whether you’ve recently bought a scratch card or found one from some time ago, it’s useful to understand these important details.
Learn more about it in our article below.
Do Scratch Cards Expire?
Yes, scratch cards do have an expiry date, although you won’t usually see this printed directly on the card itself. Instead, if you want to know whether a particular scratch card is still valid, it’s best to check the official lottery website for the specific game.
Once sales for a scratch card game have ended, those cards can no longer be purchased, and after this point, any tickets from that game generally become invalid. Sometimes the expiry date is tied to when the jackpot is claimed.
If you have a scratch card, it’s important to be aware of when the game’s sales close, as this will determine how long your card remains eligible for claiming any prizes.
How Long Do You Have To Claim Scratch Card Winnings?
If you have any winnings to collect, the countdown usually starts once the game’s ticket sales have ended. From that point, you typically have 180 days to submit a claim.
It’s important to note that if a claim is made even one day after this 180-day period, it won’t be accepted. This rule is strictly enforced. To avoid missing out, it’s a good idea to check the relevant dates either when buying the scratch card or soon after discovering a potential win.
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How To Find Scratch Card Expiry Date
If you want to check whether your scratch card is still valid or find out when it expires, the official lottery website is the best place to start.
On the website, head to the games section and select “scratch cards” to see a list of current and recently closed games. Here, you’ll find details for each scratch card game, including whether it’s still available and key dates to keep in mind.
This makes it easy to confirm if your card is still eligible for claiming any winnings before you take the next steps.
Unclaimed Scratch Cards: What Happens To Remaining Prizes?
Players often ask what happens if a prize isn’t claimed within the allowed time. As noted earlier, if winnings aren’t claimed within the 180-day period, they don’t just vanish.
Instead, unclaimed scratch card prizes in the UK are redirected to support charitable projects and community causes across the country. For instance, in 2020, £58 million from an unclaimed EuroMillions ticket was donated to the Good Causes fund, helping various initiatives and organisations.
How To Find Scratch Card Prizes Remaining
If you’re wondering how many prizes are still available on a scratch card, the simplest way is to visit the official lottery website, as mentioned earlier. There, you can find details on each scratch card currently on sale, including how many top prizes and smaller prizes remain unclaimed.
This information can help you understand the odds and decide whether a particular scratch card is worth trying.
Scratch cards can be enjoyable, but it’s also important to stay informed. Keeping track of expiry dates, claim periods, and where to find key details means you’re less likely to miss out on any winnings. And if some prizes do go unclaimed, they go towards supporting important causes across the UK.
If you choose to play scratch card games, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind, and never wager 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.
