National Lottery Draws

Lotto

The UK’s flagship lottery game holds draws twice weekly:

• Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM
• Saturday evenings at 7:45 PM

Players must purchase tickets by 7:30 PM on draw days. Results are typically available on the National Lottery website and app within an hour of the draw, though the official broadcast no longer airs on television.

EuroMillions

This pan-European lottery has two weekly draws:

• Tuesday evenings at 8:45 PM (UK time)
• Friday evenings at 8:45 PM (UK time)

Ticket sales close at 7:30 PM on draw days. Results are usually published online by 10:00 PM.

Set For Life

This fixed-prize draw occurs on:

• Monday evenings at 8:00 PM
• Thursday evenings at 8:00 PM

Ticket sales end at 7:30 PM on draw days. Winners receive £10,000 every month for 30 years.

Thunderball

Offering better odds than the main Lotto, Thunderball draws take place four times weekly:

• Tuesday evenings at 8:15 PM
• Wednesday evenings at 8:15 PM
• Friday evenings at 8:15 PM
• Saturday evenings at 8:15 PM

Ticket sales close at 7:30 PM on draw days.

HotPicks

Based on the main Lotto draw but with different prizes, HotPicks draws occur:

• Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM (same time as Lotto)
• Saturday evenings at 7:45 PM (same time as Lotto)

Important Information

Ticket Purchase Deadlines

• Online: 7:30 PM on draw days
• Retail outlets: Variable, but typically 7:30 PM
• Some retailers may stop sales earlier

Results Checking

Results can be checked through multiple channels:

• National Lottery website
• National Lottery mobile app
• Authorized retailers
• National Lottery results line (call charges apply)

Age Requirements

Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in the UK.

Online Play

The National Lottery website and app allow players to:

• Purchase tickets until 7:30 PM on draw days
• Set up subscription payments
• Receive automatic win notifications
• Check results and claim prizes automatically

Claiming Prizes

• Small prizes (under £500): Claim at any authorized retailer
• Medium prizes (£500-£50,000): Claim online or via post
• Large prizes (over £50,000): Call the National Lottery to arrange collection
• All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw

Special Draws

The National Lottery occasionally runs special draws, particularly around holidays and special events. These often feature:

• Guaranteed prize amounts
• Additional prize tiers
• Multiple guaranteed millionaire prizes

Check the National Lottery website for announcements about upcoming special draws.

Daily Play Tips

1. Set calendar reminders for preferred draw days
2. Purchase tickets early to avoid last-minute rushes
3. Consider setting up Direct Debit for regular plays
4. Keep tickets in a safe place until checking results
5. Sign physical tickets immediately after purchase

Remember that lottery games should be played responsibly and for entertainment purposes only. Set reasonable limits and never spend more than you can afford to lose.