Ever stood at the shop counter, wondering if you have missed your chance to pick up a scratch card or left it too late to cash in a win? You are not alone; knowing when you can buy or redeem scratch cards is not always straightforward in the UK.
Whether it is your local corner shop or a big supermarket, the times for buying and cashing scratch cards can vary. Some places sell them throughout the day, while others stop earlier. Add in trading hours, lottery terminal schedules and a few national rules, and it is easy to see why it gets confusing.
To avoid disappointment at the till, it helps to know exactly when shops stop selling or cashing scratch cards. The details might surprise you, so here is what actually happens in stores across the UK.
What Time Do Shops Stop Selling Scratch Cards?
The time shops stop selling scratch cards in the UK mostly follows their opening hours. Many small newsagents, off-licences and local convenience shops sell scratch cards right up until closing. In practice, that could be as early as 6pm in quieter areas or as late as around 10pm in busier spots.
Supermarkets usually stock scratch cards at customer service desks or main tills. As a rule of thumb, you can buy them while the store is open and the National Lottery terminal is active. Some supermarkets, however, turn off lottery services earlier than the final checkout to get ready for closing.
Retailers must stop sales when National Lottery terminals shut down for the night. In practice this is late evening and never beyond midnight. So even if a shop is still trading, you will not be able to buy a card after terminals have closed.
On Sundays, bank holidays or during local events, reduced opening hours usually mean earlier cut-offs for scratch card sales too. If you are unsure, a quick check at the counter will confirm the timing for that store.
Sales are one thing though; cashing in a win follows its own set of rules.
Do Shops Cash Winning Scratch Cards After Closing Hours?
Once a shop closes for the day, you cannot cash in a winning scratch card there, even if staff are still inside. Retailers are only allowed to pay out winnings when the till and National Lottery terminal are on and the shop is open to customers.
If you arrive after closing time, staff will not be able to scan your scratch card or pay out your winnings. Some shops also switch off their lottery terminal shortly before closing as part of end-of-day routines, so it is worth visiting well within opening hours if you need to claim.
For prizes above a shop’s payout limit, you may be directed to a larger retailer or asked to claim directly with The National Lottery. Smaller wins are usually handled on the spot, but anything higher is processed through the official claims process rather than by the shop itself.
Shop Opening Hours And Scratch Card Sales
Most shops time their scratch card sales to match their regular trading hours. Newsagents often open early and close in the evening, while larger supermarkets may trade later. You will only be able to buy scratch cards when the shop is open and the lottery terminal is switched on, even if the rest of the tills remain available.
Opening times can shift on Sundays and bank holidays, and some staff turn off terminals a little before closing to finish cashing up. Signs at the counter or a quick word with a member of staff can save a wasted trip. In short, availability follows the store’s hours rather than a single nationwide timetable.
How To Cash Scratch Card Winnings In Store
If you need to claim a prize in a shop, the process depends on the amount and the store’s payout limits. Here is how it typically works at the counter.
Small Wins: Payout At The Till
For smaller prizes, often up to £100 and sometimes up to £500 depending on the retailer, you can claim at the checkout. Hand the card to the cashier to be scanned on the National Lottery terminal. If the ticket is valid, the shop will pay you in cash, so long as there is enough money in the till.
If the shop does not have sufficient cash for the higher end of this range, they might ask you to return later or try a larger store nearby. A quick check with staff before you queue can be helpful if you think your win is towards the top of their limit.
Larger Wins: Referral To A National Lottery Claim Centre
For prizes above a shop’s payout threshold, you will be referred to the official claims route. Staff can provide a claim form and explain what documents are needed. After your ticket and details are processed, your winnings are paid by cheque or bank transfer by The National Lottery, not the retailer.
What Happens If You Buy A Scratch Card Just Before Closing?
Buying a scratch card right before closing is usually fine if the National Lottery terminal is still on. Some shops start shutting down terminals a few minutes early, so it can depend on the moment you reach the counter.
There is no need to scratch or check it immediately. You can take the card away and check it later, provided it remains within its claim period and the ticket is valid. If it turns out to be a winner, you will need to return during opening hours to have it scanned and paid out in store.
If you ever need support or advice, free help is available at BeGambleAware.org. Knowing how sales and payouts work where you shop makes the whole experience simpler, and it helps you plan visits without any last-minute surprises.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.