UK National Lottery to start scratchcard deliveries
Allwyn has entered into a deal with a convenience delivery company to provide a physical National Lottery scratchcard delivery service.
UK.- After criticism over how long it’s taking to modernise the British National Lottery, Allwyn is finally ringing the changes. There was a major upgrade of National Lottery digital services over the weekend, and now the operator, which operating the lottery in February 2024, is to launch scratchcard deliveries.
Allwyn will work with Gopuff, an on-demand convenience delivery company, to offer physical, National Lottery scratchcard deliveries to people doors. The service will initially cover 16 cities in England and Wales, where customers can order scratchcards for delivery within as little as 15 minutes alongside orders of everyday products like groceries and snacks.
There will be a limit of 10 scratchcards per delivery, the same as for in-store purchases. Customers will also need to provide ID verification to prove their age, Allwyn said.
Allwyn’s Retail Revenue and Customer Director, Alison Acquaye-Acford, said the new channel is aimed at both new and existing customers.
She said: “We’re always looking at ways to respond to the ever-evolving retail environment and the changing ways people are buying grocery products – with ease and convenience being key factors. Through this new partnership with Gopuff, we’re doing just that.
“We’re making it even easier for existing National Lottery players to get the games they want to play quickly and safely. But we’re also looking to make the most of Gopuff’s presence in cities, reaching new customers who are already shopping through the platform. All of this is helping us continue to build on the £32m raised, on average, every week for Good Causes – which is what The National Lottery is all about.”
Alberto Menolascina, SVP of UK and New Business at Gopuff, said: “This new partnership with Allwyn enables us to do just that. Since launching the pilot program last month, our customers have shown an immediate interest in this new offering. This is instant commerce in action, giving customers what they want, when they want it, safely and conveniently.”
Allwyn is about to enter the start of the third year of a 10-year licence to operate the National Lottery. In 2023, it became the first operator to prise the lottery away from Camelot when it won the Gambling Commission’s tender. However, it has faced criticism over the length of time it’s taking to make the improvements promised, which included a pledge to double contributions to good causes while reducing ticket prices from £2 to £1.
By September 2025, Allwyn had replaced thousands of National Lottery retail terminals with new Wave terminals and new software with Scientific Games. The Gambling Commission had suggested that it may take regulatory action over the delays since the upgrades had been slated for completion by February 2025.
Earlier this month, Allwyn appointed Bridget Lea as managing director of retail as it seeks to improve the performance of the National Lottery’s retail channel.
