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.
Do shops make money selling lottery tickets?
Yes. Shops that sell National Lottery tickets earn a small commission on every sale, and they can also receive payments for paying out smaller prizes over the counter and, at times, bonuses when a big winning ticket is sold in store. The margins per ticket are modest — the real prize for retailers is footfall, because lottery customers come in regularly and often buy something else while they are there.
How retailer commission works
Retailers sign up with the operator and earn a percentage commission on the lottery products they sell — draw-game tickets and scratchcards — plus a small handling amount for validating and paying lower-tier prizes in store. Rates are set by the operator and have changed over the years, so the exact percentages move, but the structure is consistent: the shop is paid for selling and for servicing winners, with the terminal, training and point-of-sale materials supplied as part of the arrangement.
Why shops want the lottery
Commission alone rarely pays the rent; the draw for retailers is regular visits. Lottery players come in on draw days, check tickets, and pick up other shopping while they are there, which is why the terminal often sits by the till. Operators have also run incentives for stores that sell jackpot-winning tickets, which brings publicity as well as a payment. For players, none of this affects the game — your odds and prizes are identical wherever you buy, so use whichever retailer is convenient.
Frequently asked questions
How much commission do shops get on lottery tickets?
A small percentage of each sale, set by the operator, plus a handling amount for paying smaller prizes in store. Exact rates change over time, but the per-ticket margin is modest.
Do shops get a bonus if they sell a winning ticket?
Operators have at times paid bonuses to stores that sell jackpot-winning tickets, alongside the publicity of being a “lucky shop”. Any scheme details are set by the operator.
Does it matter where I buy my ticket?
Not to your chances. Odds and prizes are identical wherever you buy — a “lucky shop” has simply sold more tickets or had fortunate customers.
Why do shops pay out small prizes?
Retailers validate and pay lower-tier prizes over the counter as part of their agreement, and receive a small handling payment for doing so. Larger prizes are claimed from the operator.
Related guides: Where does lottery money go? · Buying a ticket with cash · Who runs the National Lottery?
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).