National Lottery sales halted for major technology upgrade

The National Lottery's modernisation efforts lead to a sales halt.

National Lottery experiences major sales pause for technology upgrade

The National Lottery paused all draw game sales and prize claims for approximately 36 hours to implement its largest technology upgrade in 31 years. This halt, confirmed by operator Allwyn, began at 11pm on Saturday following the Lotto and Thunderball draws. Both the National Lottery website and app are currently offline, with services expected to return by late Monday morning. Players were advised to check results and claim prizes before the shutdown, although Scratchcards remain available. Allwyn, which acquired the lottery license from Camelot in February 2022, stated that the previous systems dated back to 2009. Chief executive Andria Vidler called this a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the lottery’s framework and financial contributions to good causes.

The National Lottery's significant technological upgrade highlights a concerning trend in the gambling industry. While modernization is critical for operational success and player engagement, the necessary disruptions can alienate loyal customers and affect immediate revenues. Allwyn's commitment to doubling returns for good causes also raises expectations, creating pressure that might not align with the realities of implementation, especially given past delays in introducing new games. Balancing innovation with customer satisfaction will be essential for maintaining public trust and support in this transitional period.

Highlights

As technology reshapes the gambling landscape, the National Lottery faces new challenges and expectations.