Editorial note: this guide is general information about how bingo, competitions, lotteries and gambling work in the UK. It is not advice, and it does not describe any specific promotion offered by Fortune Games. Rules, prices and regulations can change, so always check the operator’s current terms.
Can you buy a lottery ticket with cash?
Yes — in a shop you can pay cash for National Lottery tickets and scratchcards at the counter, just as you would for any other purchase. What you cannot do is pay by cash online or in the app: there you must use a debit card. Credit cards are not allowed for any gambling, including the lottery, under a UK-wide ban introduced in 2020. So cash works in person, but a debit card is the only option for playing digitally.
Paying in shops versus online
At a licensed retailer you can hand over cash for a Lucky Dip, your own numbers or a scratchcard, just as you would for any purchase. Online and in the official app, payment is taken from a registered debit card linked to your verified account. You will need to be 18 or over either way, and online play also requires you to prove your age and identity when you set up the account.
Why credit cards aren’t allowed
Since April 2020, UK rules have banned gambling on credit cards, including National Lottery products bought online, to stop people betting with borrowed money. Debit cards, which draw on money you already have, are still permitted. Some banks also offer gambling blocks you can switch on to stop these payments entirely, and setting a deposit limit on your account is a simple way to keep online spending under control.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay cash for a lottery ticket in a shop?
Yes. Licensed retailers accept cash at the counter for draw tickets, Lucky Dips and scratchcards, as long as you are 18 or over.
Can I use cash to play online?
No. Online and app play requires a debit card linked to your verified account. Cash cannot be used for digital purchases.
Can I use a credit card?
No. Gambling on credit cards, including the National Lottery online, has been banned in the UK since April 2020. Debit cards are allowed.
Do I need an account to buy tickets?
Not in a shop, where you can pay cash. Online you need a registered account with your age and identity verified and a debit card added.
Related guides: Lottery tickets and credit cards · Can you play the lottery online? · Playing without a bank account
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Please play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free, confidential support is available 24/7 from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare. You can also visit BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) or self-exclude from UK-licensed online operators through GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk).