Scratchcards

Code of Practice on Top Prize Management

Version 16 – July 2025

This Code of Practice on Top Prize Management (“the Code”) for Scratchcard games covers the process which applies to the communication of Scratchcard Top Prize information to National Lottery players (including all forms of advertising).

A Top Prize refers to the highest value which is available to be won on a Scratchcard Game.

Detailed information of all prizes which are available to be won at the start of each game is provided in the Scratchcard Game Procedures available at www.national-lottery.co.uk. Details of how many Top Prizes available in a Game will be available online at www.national-lottery.co.uk.

All Scratchcards may continue to be sold if there is still a Top Prize available to be won.

Advertising can refer to the Non-Cash Prize or cash Top Prize available in the game, provided that a Non-Cash Prize or cash Top Prize can still be won.

In all cases, once a Scratchcard Game is removed from sale, Allwyn shall instruct retailers to remove any advertising material which refers to prizes. Allwyn shall take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that retailers comply with such instructions.

When a last Top Prize has been validated, Allwyn must carry out certain actions depending on which category the Scratchcard Game falls into. There are two categories as follows:

  • Category 1 – Scratchcard games offering a cash Top Prize of over £50,000, a Non-Cash Prize, a Regular Payment Prize and/or an Annuity Prize.
  • Category 2 – Scratchcard games offering a cash Top Prize of £50,000 or less.

The table below sets out what Allwyn is required to ensure is done (and in what time frame) once the last Top Prize has been validated in a Scratchcard Game.

Actions to be completed once the last Top Prize has been validated in a Scratchcard Game.
Action Time Frame – Category 1 Time Frame – Category 2

Prevent further activations of the Scratchcard Game taking place*

*Retailers shall be permitted to continue selling Scratchcards that have already been activated. Inactive packs will be removed from retailers at the next Scratchcards collection.

Within 24 hours of the last Top Prize being validated

Within 48 hours of the last Top Prize being validated
If the last Top Prize is validated whilst Top Prize point-of-sale is still in-store, or Top Prize advertising is still on air, ensure that the messages are changed accordingly.
  • In the case of digital advertising, this shall be done within 24 hours of the last Top Prize being validated.
  • In the case of printed advertising at retailers, Allwyn shall communicate to retailers to remove the items within 10 working days and take reasonable steps to ensure retailers comply with the instruction.
  • In the case of digital advertising, this shall be done within 48 hours of the last Top Prize being validated.
  • In the case of printed advertising at retailers, Allwyn shall communicate to retailers to remove the items within 10 working days and take reasonable steps to ensure retailers comply with the instruction.

Take the following steps to inform players and retailers:

  • Update the National Lottery website (www.national-lottery.co.uk)
  • Update e-media digital screens (this excludes screens in retailers where there is static messaging in place, or inactive e-media digital screens)
  • Terminal message shall be sent to retailers
  • National Lottery Line shall communicate the message to all relevant callers
  • Sales Team shall be informed and shall update retailers and multiple head office accounts directly.
  • Within one working day of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within 48 hours of the last Top Prize being validated, or, in the event of the last Top Prize being validated on the last working day of a week, on the second working day of the following week.
  • Within 48 hours of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within 24 hours of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within 24 hours of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within two working days of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within 72 hours of the last Top Prize being validated, or, in the event of the last Top Prize being validated on the last working day of a week, on the second working day of the following week.
  • Within 72 hours of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within 48 hours of the last Top Prize being validated
  • Within 48 hours of the last Top Prize being validated

At any retailers with inactive e-media digital screens or no digital screen capability (where live information regarding the availability of the last Non-Cash Prize, cash Top Prize, Regular Payment or Annuity Prize is unable to be displayed) Allwyn shall ensure details of how players can find out this information is displayed.

Printed materials will be provided to such retailers within 10 working days of validation. Allwyn shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the insert is displayed.

Printed materials will be provided to such retailers within 10 working days of validation. Allwyn shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the insert is displayed.
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