National Lottery still down with all UK players now blocked from accounts for days

If you are still trying and failing to buy a National Lottery, EuroMillions or Set For Life tickets, you are not alone. It's been confirmed that the website, app and in-store terminals are now all offline and won't be switched back on again until later today, Monday, August 4. This massive shutdown, which began on Saturday night, won't please fans of the famous balls but there is good reason why things aren't working.

Allwyn, who now operates the National Lottery, says the rare closure is to help it install important upgrades to its systems, that is something it says hasn't been done for over 10 years.

The shutdown started immediately after the main Lotto draw, with no tickets now available until tonight.

Along with ticket sales ending, the Lottery also says players won't be able to claim prizes or log in to check their accounts.

That means those wanting to see if they've won anything will have to wait.

A quick trip to the National Lottery website currently shows an error message, with gamers told, "Some of our services are unavailable this weekend as we upgrade the technology that powers The National Lottery.

"You don't need to cross your fingers - everything will be up and running soon."

Explaining more about the outage, the National Lottery said, "We're spending this weekend upgrading the technology that powers The National Lottery. These upgrades will help us to modernise The National Lottery, which hasn't had a significant technology upgrade since 2009. It's all about improving your experience over the coming months and years.

"Following Saturday's draws, our website, app, and in-store terminals will be unavailable until Monday. This means you won't be able to buy tickets, claim prizes, or log in during this time. Your account details and data will remain safe and secure."

Although it's unclear exactly what changes are taking place, Czech-based operator of the Lottery, Allwyn says the work includes the delivery of more than 30 new systems.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver The National Lottery that the UK deserves," said Allwyn chief exectuve, Andria Vidler.

Things should be back to normal from Monday when tickets, accounts and options to buy will be back online.