Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, has partnered with payments provider Bottomline to enable direct bank transfers for in-store winners.
This new payment solution allows for quicker payouts of retail prizes ranging from £500.01 to £50,000, marking a significant improvement in Allwyn’s claims process. Previously, these prizes were issued by cheque, a method that has become outdated in the digital world.
In addition to offering players a more convenient experience, this enhancement also greatly reduces administrative and postage costs. By eliminating the need to prepare and mail thousands of cheques, Allwyn states it can direct more funds toward National Lottery-supported Good Causes.
Allwyn’s Operations Director, Jenny Blogg, said: “We’re delighted to introduce this completely new payment solution, which will see, for the first time, people who play The National Lottery in shops be able to have their prizes paid directly into their bank accounts.
“Not only will this see these prizes paid faster than ever before, but it also drastically cuts down on administration and postage costs. This cost efficiency will see more money going to the Good Causes that The National Lottery supports and see prize money in players’ pockets in record time – so it really is a win-win.”
Following its launch, this new method has become the default option for players. However, the company states that players can choose to be paid by cheque if that is their desired method.
To claim their prize, retail players can visit the national lottery website, enter their email address and complete a form. The form requests the player’s details, information about the winning ticket and requires an image of the ticket to be uploaded.
Once the form is submitted, players will receive an email with a secure link to enter their bank account number and sort code. The system will then verify that the name on the account matches the one provided in the claim form.
Once this is confirmed, the payment will be processed and transferred directly to the player’s bank account within 24 hours if claimed Monday-Friday.