What Age Can You Play the Lottery in the UK?
This is an independent, informational guide for UK readers and is not affiliated with the organisations mentioned. It is provided for general information only.
You must be 18 or over to play the National Lottery in the UK. The minimum age was raised from 16 to 18 in 2021 — online sales to under-18s stopped in April that year and the change applied fully from October — bringing the lottery into line with the rest of UK gambling.
The 18-plus rule
You must be 18 or over to play the National Lottery in the UK. This applies to every game — draw games, scratchcards and online instant games — whether you play in a shop or online.
Eighteen is also the minimum age for almost all other gambling in the UK, so the lottery is now in line with the rest.
Why the age changed
The minimum age was 16 from the lottery's launch in 1994, but it was raised to 18 in 2021: online sales to under-18s stopped in April and the change applied fully from October that year.
The change was made to protect younger people from gambling-related harm.
Syndicates and claiming
Everyone in a National Lottery syndicate must be 18 or over, and a manager who is under 18 has to hand over the role. Prizes from tickets bought before the change, by 16 and 17-year-olds, could still be claimed within the normal window.
If you are unsure, the official National Lottery site sets out the current rules.
Other lotteries and competitions
Some society lotteries have their own minimum ages, and most prize-competition sites also require entrants to be 18. The National Lottery age is a firm 18 across the board.
If in doubt, the rules are stated clearly on each operator's site.
The rule is straightforward in practice: retailers and the official site verify age, and anyone unable to prove they are 18 will be refused. If you are buying within a household, only adults can take part, and the same applies to running or joining a syndicate.
What is the minimum age to play the UK lottery?
Eighteen. You must be 18 or over to play any National Lottery game.
When did the lottery age change to 18?
In 2021 — online sales to under-18s stopped in April and the change applied fully from October.
Can under-18s be in a lottery syndicate?
No. Every member of a National Lottery syndicate must be 18 or over.
Is the minimum age the same for all lotteries?
The National Lottery is 18 for everything; some society lotteries and competitions set their own ages, often 18.
Related guides: Playing online, How the lottery works, Responsible gambling
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. If you are worried about your gambling, or affected by someone else's, free and confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, from BeGambleAware.org, and through the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. You must be 18 or over to gamble.