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 get a refund on a lottery ticket?
Generally, no. Once a lottery ticket is printed or an online entry is confirmed, it cannot be cancelled, exchanged or refunded — the sale is final because the ticket is already in the draw. The time to fix a mistake is at the till before you pay, or on the review screen before you confirm online. There are only narrow exceptions, such as a terminal error at the moment of sale or, occasionally, where a game itself is withdrawn.
Why tickets are non-refundable
A lottery ticket is an entry into a specific draw, and allowing cancellations after purchase would open the door to abuse — holding entries and dropping them before the draw. So the rules make sales final. In a shop, check the numbers and draws printed on the ticket before leaving the counter, and flag any error to the assistant immediately so it can be dealt with at the point of sale. Online, the confirmation screen is your checkpoint: once an entry is accepted, your numbers are locked for that draw, although future entries on a subscription can usually be changed before the cut-off.
Mistakes, errors and the rare exceptions
If a terminal misprints or processes a sale incorrectly, the retailer can resolve it there and then under the operator’s procedures — which is why speaking up before you leave matters. If a draw itself is delayed, your ticket simply rolls into the rescheduled draw rather than being refunded. And in the unusual event an operator withdraws or voids a game, its rules set out how entries are handled. Outside those situations, treat every ticket as final: decide your numbers and your spend before you buy, not after.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel a lottery ticket I just bought?
No. Once printed or confirmed online, a ticket is final and entered into its draw. Errors at the till should be raised with the assistant immediately, before you leave.
Can I change the numbers on a printed ticket?
No — printed tickets cannot be edited or exchanged. Online, you can usually change numbers for future draws on a subscription before the cut-off, but not for an entry already confirmed.
What if the shop’s terminal made a mistake?
Point it out at once. Genuine terminal errors at the moment of sale can be resolved by the retailer under the operator’s procedures — but only if raised straight away.
Do I get a refund if the draw is delayed?
No refund is needed — your ticket stays valid and is entered into the draw whenever it takes place. Delays do not void entries.
Related guides: Refunds on competition tickets · Changing your lottery numbers · Delayed lottery draws
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).