UKGC: Lotto Draw Records Not Held

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Regulator Confirms It Does Not Store National Lottery Draw Data

A Freedom of Information (FOI) response has confirmed that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) does not hold official records, certificates, or post-draw verification data for individual National Lottery draws. The disclosure clarifies the division of responsibilities between the regulator and the lottery operator.

Context: Understanding Regulatory Oversight

Many consumers assume the UK's gambling regulator actively monitors and stores records for every lottery draw to ensure fairness. This FOI response highlights that the UKGC's role is one of oversight rather than direct data management. The Commission's responsibility is to ensure the licensed operator, Allwyn, has robust, fair, and transparent procedures in place for conducting and recording draws. The operator is responsible for the day-to-day execution and record-keeping.

This distinction is vital for consumers. It clarifies that for queries about the specifics of a particular draw, the National Lottery operator is the primary point of contact, not the UK Gambling Commission.

Details of the Request

The request, dated 23 January 2026, asked for specific information related to UK Lotto draws conducted between 1 January 2026 and 21 January 2026. The applicant sought access to:

• Official draw records or certificates
• Any existing post-draw review and verification documents
• Technical details such as draw timing and verification methods

In its official response, the Gambling Commission stated it had processed the request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and concluded: "The Gambling Commission can confirm that we do not hold this information."

Significance: What This Means for Consumers

The UKGC's response does not suggest a lack of integrity in the National Lottery. Instead, it illuminates the UK's regulatory framework. The Commission sets the rules and standards—the Licence to operate the National Lottery—which require the operator to conduct draws fairly and maintain meticulous records.

The regulator's function is to audit and enforce these standards, ensuring the operator's systems are compliant, rather than duplicating the operator's extensive record-keeping. This model places the onus on the operator to prove its compliance and provide transparency directly to the public.

For players, this means that while the UKGC provides the ultimate layer of consumer protection by licensing and regulating the operator, the operator itself holds the specific evidence of a draw's integrity. This clarification helps consumers direct their enquiries more effectively and better understand the roles of the different organisations involved in The National Lottery.