National Lottery Tickets purchased outside of UK are invalid

[Soner]

Just incase forum members in the TRNC buy Lotto tickets online. I have done this several times when out on holiday and did not realise that if purchased online outside of the UK tickets are declared as invalid, if you have winning numbers.

See below Account Information sent out to me by The National Lottery:

Dear Soner,

This is an important reminder that, from 23rd April 2012, any player attempting to access their National Lottery Account from outside of the UK or Isle of Man will be prevented from doing so, as our location software will block any access.*

As you are aware, to play National Lottery games online or by text you must be a UK or Isle of Man resident and be physically located in the UK or Isle of Man when buying a ticket. If you play by Direct Debit, not only must you be physically located in the UK or Isle of Man when setting up your Direct Debit but also when making amendments to it, including buying additional tickets, or changing your numbers or payment details.

Why are we implementing a block?

As operator of the UK National Lottery, Camelot clearly wants to pay out prizes where it can - and we don't want anyone to miss out on a prize because they haven't complied with the Rules. We're therefore always looking at ways we can improve the quality of information we give players. Although we give clear warnings about playing from overseas, we believe this change makes it even clearer and simpler for players.

In line with this, we have updated our Interactive Terms and Conditions to ensure they reflect this amendment - to cover that National Lottery players will now be prevented from accessing their National Lottery Account if our software detects that they are intending to play National Lottery games from any jurisdiction other than the UK or Isle of Man.

Kind regards,

Interactive Customer Care Team

The National Lottery
http://www.national-lottery.co.uk

*Please note that if you attempt to access your Account via a mobile device or using a portable wireless connection, access may not necessarily be blocked because of the way in which those devices or connections work. In those circumstances, you may receive the overseas 'warning' message instead. You should only continue to access your Account if you are physically located within the UK or Isle of Man, otherwise any ticket purchases you make are liable to be declared invalid and no prizes paid, and we will have the right to reclaim any prizes already paid in respect of such purchases.

[andrew4232]

how many times do you see tourists buying them in London what happens if they win?

[Soner]

Interesting. I have just sent them an email to ask, will let you know if I get a reponse.

[billywiz]

having done the lottery by direct debit do you think they would check that i was not in the country if i won the big one, cant imagine my wifes reaction with not having all that money to spend

[Deniz1]

Seems the usual cop out to me we will take your money but you cant win any!

[Marions]

As I found it impossible to buy on line here, I have had a good system for several years. A family member in U.K buys thew tickets and I give the money. I check the numbers on line, and have promised if I have a big win I will give them 10%.
Suggest you do the same. Of course it has to be someone you trust, or they could disappear with lots of lovely lolly!

[Gary-monger]

i think its always been like this.

obviously the time they catch you out is when you win - then its too late!

[karakum5c]

I am a National Lottery retail agent

If you are resident in a country outwith the UK, the laws of that country apply to you, in many countries it is illegal to gamble online or gamble on any lottery not set up by the government of that country

If you win and the National Lottery pay you out then they would and could be held accountable by that country for breaching their laws

This has always been the case, there have been several large payouts not honoured because of this

The National Lottery has decided on a blanket ban to avoid any future confusion, i suspect it has something to do with the USA and its arrest of executives who only happen to be in transit in USA airports but have connections with banned online gambling sites. They are worried European Countries might try to replicate this

As for tourists visiting the UK they are perfectly entitled to play the lottery as the ticket was purchased in this country, although they might not want to claim or draw attention to themselves if they come from certain Islamic countries, i have heard stories regarding one particular individual who went to great lengths to deny he had won a large sum after initially claiming it

[Marions]

Thank karakum5, thatis veryinteresting. I shallcontinue to do it the way that I do, which is quite legal, but whether win is another matter.

[Keithcaley]

how many times do you see tourists buying them in London what happens if they win?

Andrew, I think that as long as they are physically present in the UK when buying the ticket, then they're covered - I could be wrong, but that's my impression.

Of course, if they buy a ticket, and don't claim their winnings either because they forget, or they're in another country & don't know that they've won, then I suppose the ticket lapses, and it all goes to the Chancellor - ugh.....