National Lottery sales to pause this weekend – how to still play via syndicates
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The National Lottery will shut down ticket sales and prize claims for around 36 hours this weekend to make way for what operator Allwyn describes as the biggest technology upgrade in its 31-year history.
From 11pm on Saturday 3 August, all draw-based game sales and prize claims will be suspended in shops across the UK. Online access via the National Lottery website and app will also be unavailable, with services not expected to resume until late Monday morning.
Players are being urged to buy tickets and check results before the weekend cut-off. Scratchcard sales will remain unaffected, and draw results will still be available via the National Lottery’s YouTube channel.
The pause is part of a planned transition to upgraded gaming and retail systems, which Allwyn says are necessary to modernise a platform dating back to 2009. A “small proportion” of retail terminals may take longer to reboot, depending on upgrade conditions.
What does it mean for players?
Anyone intending to take part in this weekend’s Lotto or Thunderball draws — or upcoming EuroMillions and Set for Life games — is being advised to enter early, before the blackout begins.
For those seeking an alternative way to play without relying on shop terminals or the National Lottery app, third-party syndicate services such as You Play We Play (available via Wowcher) remain operational during the pause. These services offer managed group play, pooling hundreds of official National Lottery entries per draw.
For anyone still keen to get their entries in ahead of the freeze syndicate play via Wowcher remains open. Through a deal with You Play We Play, players can join a 50-player group and get 500 National Lottery lines for £9, covering Lotto, EuroMillions, Set for Life and more.
For more information click here.
While syndicates do not guarantee wins, they increase the number of lines entered for a lower individual cost, with prizes shared between group members. Tickets are purchased in advance and are unaffected by the temporary service suspension.
The upgrade comes just 18 months after Allwyn took over the National Lottery licence from Camelot. The operator says the changes will help it deliver “a better player experience” and support its goal of doubling weekly returns to Good Causes from £30 million to £60 million by the end of the decade.
If you’re dreaming of one of those huge European jackpots, the Wowcher Euromillions syndicate deal is hard to beat. For just £9, you’ll get an incredible 500 Euromillions syndicate lines plus 500 genuine Millionaires Raffle tickets. All tickets are official National Lottery entries, bought and managed by You Play We Play, so you’re not betting — you’re really playing.
By joining a 50-person syndicate, you massively increase your chances of winning while sharing the fun and the prizes with your group. The draws happen every Tuesday and Friday, giving you two shots each week at jackpots that can top £200 million.
Ready to aim for life-changing winnings?
If you’re worried about how gambling makes you feel, you can find free, confidential advice, tools and support, by visiting GambleAware or contacting the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7, on 0808 8020 133
If you like the idea of a regular monthly payout over a giant jackpot, Wowcher’s Set for Life syndicate deal is perfect. This offer gives you 500 Set for Life lines in a 50-person syndicate, entered into Monday and Thursday draws.
Each line could win you (and your syndicate) a steady income-style prize, and because you’re part of a group with 500 entries, your odds are much better than playing solo. Like all the other deals, the tickets are official National Lottery entries — no betting, no hassle, just real chances to win and support good causes.
At only £7.50, this is a budget-friendly way to join the fun.
If you’re worried about how gambling makes you feel, you can find free, confidential advice, tools and support, by visiting GambleAware or contacting the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7, on 0808 8020 133
For those who enjoy regular, smaller wins twice a week, Wowcher’s Thunderball syndicate deal is an excellent choice. You’ll get 500 Thunderball lines in a 50-person syndicate, covering Wednesday and Saturday draws.
The Thunderball game offers more modest prizes than Euromillions or Lotto, but the odds of winning something are higher — making it great for regular players who love the buzz of a win. Your 500 official National Lottery lines are fully managed by You Play We Play, so all you have to do is sit back and wait for the results.
At just £5, this is the most affordable way to get hundreds of chances at winning.