UK National Lottery block access to website from abroad.

Once again I have received an email from the National Lottery confirming that from the 23rd April 2012 I will no longer be able to access the lottery website to purchase entry tickets.

Dear Elliot,

This is an important reminder that, from 23rd April 2012, any player attempting to access their National Lottery Account from outside of the UK or Isle of Man will be prevented from doing so, as our location software will block any access.*

As you are aware, to play National Lottery games online or by text you must be a UK or Isle of Man resident and be physically located in the UK or Isle of Man when buying a ticket. If you play by Direct Debit, not only must you be physically located in the UK or Isle of Man when setting up your Direct Debit but also when making amendments to it, including buying additional tickets, or changing your numbers or payment details.

Why are we implementing a block?

As operator of the UK National Lottery, Camelot clearly wants to pay out prizes where it can - and we don't want anyone to miss out on a prize because they haven't complied with the Rules. We're therefore always looking at ways we can improve the quality of information we give players. Although we give clear warnings about playing from overseas, we believe this change makes it even clearer and simpler for players.

In line with this, we have updated our Interactive Terms and Conditions to ensure they reflect this amendment - to cover that National Lottery players will now be prevented from accessing their National Lottery Account if our software detects that they are intending to play National Lottery games from any jurisdiction other than the UK or Isle of Man.

Kind regards,

Interactive Customer Care Team

The National Lottery
www.national-lottery.co.uk

 Further information is available in an article in 'This is Money'