Camelot has posted a message for National Lottery retailers
Changes to National Lottery operations have been announced in a letter from Camelot
Dear National Lottery Retailer,
In light of the various measures to combat coronavirus that have been introduced in some of the nine countries in which EuroMillions operates and the potential impact that these could have on the operation of the game, we will be temporarily changing how advance play works on EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks.
Following the EuroMillions draw on Friday 20th March, we will be implementing a four-week countdown for advance play on the game. This means that people will only be able to play in advance up to and including the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday 14 April (a maximum of eight draws). As each week passes, the number of weeks that people can play in advance will reduce accordingly. Players will still be able to buy tickets on a draw-by-draw basis and the draws themselves will take place as planned.
We believe that this decision is in players’ best interests given the uncertainty caused by the unprecedented and fast-changing situation that is unfolding across the EuroMillions community. We, and the other EuroMillions operators, are continuing to closely monitor developments and will update our players if the situation changes. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank our players for their understanding.
Further details relating to this change, together with a full list of FAQs, can be found on the Retailer Hub.
Please be assured that advance play for all other National Lottery draw games remains unaffected
The quickest and easiest way to keep up to date with our plans is by logging onto our retailer website, The National Lottery Retailer Hub: Click Here
We will also be in touch using our regular communication channels with any further updates.
Keep safe and well.
The National Lottery Communications Team
How will the countdown work?
The four-week countdown will work as follows:
From Wednesday 18 March, you will be able to play in advance for four weeks (eight draws)
From Wednesday 25 March, you will be able to play in advance for three weeks (six draws)
From Wednesday 1 April, you will be able to play in advance for two weeks (four draws)
From Wednesday 8 April, you will be able to play in advance for one week (two draws)
Will advance play revert back to normal after 14 April?
It’s too early to say at this stage. We, and the other EuroMillions operators, will continue to closely monitor developments and will update our players if the situation changes.
Will the draws be cancelled?
There are currently no plans to suspend or cancel any EuroMillions draws, and they will be taking place as planned. This decision relates only to advance play on EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks. We, and the other EuroMillions operators, will continue to closely monitor developments and will update our players if the situation changes.
Why does what’s happening elsewhere affect EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks?
EuroMillions is a game run jointly by 10 operators across nine different countries in Europe. Spain, for example, provides operational support for EuroMillions but has declared a state of emergency and suspended the sale of all lottery games. And France, where the draws are held and filmed, is also facing severe restrictions on movement to combat coronavirus. What’s happening in any of the participating countries can therefore have a knock-on effect on the game’s overall operation. This also means that our EuroMillions HotPicks game, which is based on the numbers drawn in the main EuroMillions game, could be affected.
How will this impact my sales?
Advance play for EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks for more than one week accounts for a very small proportion of total sales. Any impact on your sales will therefore be minimal, as players are likely to pick up a ticket for the draw they wish to play.
I am going to lose commission. What will Camelot do to help?
Advance play for EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks for more than one week accounts for a very small proportion of total sales. Any impact on your sales will therefore be minimal, as players are likely to pick up a ticket for the draw they wish to play, and so your commission is likely to remain unaffected.
What do I tell customers who have 4 week tickets and ask for a refund?
Customers who have already purchased an advance ticket for either EuroMillions or EuroMillions HotPicks have a valid entry into the draws. Only new advance play is limited.
Can I still pay EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks prizes out?
Yes, EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks prize payments remain unaffected by this change.
What should I do with the Players’ Guide and playslips I have?
Your Players’ Guide and playslips are still valid. This is a temporary change due to unprecedented circumstances. If your players have any questions, please ask them to check our website for more information www.national-lottery.co.uk or contact the player helpline 0333 234 50 50.
Why can’t I sell advance play tickets for EuroMillions or EuroMillions HotPicks?
In light of the various measures to combat coronavirus that have been introduced in some of the nine countries in which EuroMillions operates and the potential impact that these could have on the operation of the game, we will be temporarily changing how advance play works on both EuroMillions and EuroMillions HotPicks. From Wednesday 18 March, we will be implementing a four-week countdown for advance play on both games. This means that people will only be able to play in advance up to and including the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday 14 April (a maximum of eight draws). As each week passes, the number of weeks that people can play in advance will reduce accordingly. Players will still be able to buy tickets on a draw-by-draw basis and the draws themselves will take place as planned.
