Lottery Data Gaps Revealed in UKGC FOI Response

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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has highlighted gaps in the data held by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) concerning National Lottery operations, particularly around Scratchcard games and individual retailer authorisations.

The response, stemming from a request dated 9 September 2025, reveals that the regulator does not hold information on when active Scratchcard games are scheduled to end. This lack of data could have significant implications for consumers seeking to claim prizes before a game is withdrawn from sale.

What the Request Asked For

The FOI request was split into two parts:

1. A complete list of all authorised National Lottery retailers in the UK, including their name, address, and the specific products they are licensed to sell (e.g., draw-based games, Scratchcards).
2. A list of all currently active Scratchcard games, including their name, game number, and their start and end dates.

Key Findings from the UKGC Response

Retailer Information

The Commission directed the requester to a publicly available database of National Lottery retailers, which it stated was accurate as of 30 December 2024. However, the UKGC confirmed it does not hold information on the specific lottery products that individual retailers are licensed to sell under the Fourth Licence. This means there is no central, regulatory-held list that tells consumers whether their local shop sells only Lotto tickets or also offers the full range of Scratchcards.

Scratchcard Game Data

While the UKGC provided a spreadsheet of active Scratchcard games (correct as of 26 September 2025), it made a crucial clarification. The regulator confirmed that it does not hold information regarding the end date or planned closure date of Scratchcard games.

This is a key piece of information for players. The end date of a Scratchcard game determines the final deadline for purchasing tickets and, more importantly, for claiming any prizes won. Without a central, official source for this information, players must rely on information provided by the operator, Camelot or Allwyn, and individual retailers.

Why This Matters for Consumers

The gaps in centrally-held data place a greater responsibility on consumers to find information from the lottery operator directly. The key takeaways are:

• No Central End Date Registry: Players cannot consult the regulator to find out when a Scratchcard game will be withdrawn. This information is critical for ensuring prizes can be claimed in time.
• Lack of Retailer Specifics: While a list of retailers is available, consumers cannot use UKGC data to determine which specific lottery products are available at a given location before visiting.

This FOI response clarifies the boundaries of the information held by the Gambling Commission regarding the day-to-day operations of the National Lottery. It underscores that while the UKGC regulates the licence, some granular operational data, such as game closure dates, remains solely with the operator.