UKGC Withholds Scratchcard Prize Data
Regulator cites cost to refuse release of information on unclaimed high-value prizes and games closed before jackpots are won.
The UK Gambling Commission has refused to release key data on National Lottery scratchcards, including the number of unclaimed high-value prizes and a list of games closed before jackpots were won. The regulator cited the cost of retrieving the information as the reason for the refusal, leaving consumers with unanswered questions about game transparency.
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UKGC Refuses to Disclose Key National Lottery Scratchcard Information
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has withheld key information regarding National Lottery scratchcard prizes, citing the cost of retrieving the data. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted on 9 April 2025 sought to bring transparency to the popular games, but the regulator's response leaves consumers with significant unanswered questions about unclaimed prizes and game closures.
Why This Data Matters
Millions of people in the UK purchase National Lottery scratchcards every week, drawn by the prospect of winning life-changing sums. The information requested aimed to shed light on the lifecycle of these games, including how many high-value prizes are actually claimed and whether games are withdrawn from sale before all top prizes have been won. This data is crucial for consumers to assess the true availability of advertised jackpots and the overall fairness of the games.
Breakdown of the Request and Response
The FOI request asked for five specific pieces of information covering the last five years. The UKGC's response varied for each part:
1. Total Scratchcards Printed and Distributed:
- Response: Information held, but withheld.
2. Number and Value of Prizes Over £500 and How Many Were Claimed:
- Response: Information held, but withheld.
3. Geographic Breakdown of Major Prize Wins (£500, £1,000, £10,000):
- Response: The UKGC confirmed it does not hold this information.
4. List of Games Closed Before Top Prizes Were Claimed:
- Response: Information held, but withheld.
5. Guarantee of Top Prize Distribution Before Game Closure:
- Response: The UKGC stated this was not a request for recorded information and could not be answered under FOI legislation.
For the information it confirmed holding but refused to provide, the Commission invoked Section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act. This allows a public authority to refuse a request if the cost of compliance exceeds £450, which is estimated to be 18 hours of staff time. The UKGC stated that its searches retrieved a "large number of records" and that reviewing them to extract the relevant data would exceed this limit.
Significance for Consumers
The Commission's refusal to provide data on unclaimed prizes and early game closures is significant. It means that crucial details about the operation of National Lottery scratchcards remain hidden from public view. Consumers are left without answers to fundamental questions:
- How common is it for high-value prizes (over £500) to go unclaimed?
- Are National Lottery scratchcard games regularly removed from sale while top prizes are still theoretically available to be won?
- Does the gambling regulator for Great Britain track where in the country major prizes are being won? The response indicates it does not.
The UKGC's response suggests that while the data exists for some of these key questions, it is not in a readily accessible format for public disclosure. For consumers, this lack of transparency means it is impossible to verify the frequency with which advertised top prizes are actually paid out, leaving a gap in the understanding of one of the UK's most widespread gambling products.