Deadline on Claiming Prizes Returns To Normal
Last Updated: Friday 10th July 2020, 10:53 am
You have 90 days to collect prizes won on the Irish National Lottery after the claims period reverted to normal, starting from 9th July. An extension had been in place so that winners did not have to come forward quickly during the coronavirus pandemic.
The extension to the claims period was announced back in April, after Covid-19 spread through Ireland and led to various restrictions on all aspects of life. Many shops were closed, the Irish National Lottery reduced its opening hours and the government urged people to stay at home.
It was decided that the rules needed to be adapted temporarily, so winners were given an extra three months to pick up prizes. This new deadline was back-dated to cover all winning tickets from 9th January up to 5th July. It included all National Lottery games, played both online and in-store.
With Ireland now entering Phase 3 of its re-opening, the National Lottery has confirmed that the claim period is switching back to 90 days. This is effective immediately for Daily Million and Telly Bingo, while for EuroMillions and Lotto the 90-day deadline will be back in place from next week’s draws onwards (from Tuesday 14th July for EuroMillions and from Wednesday 15th July for Lotto).
The process for claiming prizes will remain the same as normal, so you can pick up prizes won in-store from retail agents or An Post claim centres, depending on the amount.
You can also claim prizes by post. Usually, you have to go to the lottery headquarters in Dublin to collect winnings of more than €15,000 (or €9,999 for online players), but a temporary agreement has been reached with the Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery for bigger winners to claim by post. This is for the benefit of winners who still would not feel comfortable visiting the Dublin HQ in person.
The safest way to take part, and claim prizes, throughout the pandemic, has been online. When you purchase entries online, there is no need to have social contact with anyone, your numbers are stored safely and you will be notified automatically if you win.
Regardless of whether you play online or visit an authorised retailer, you can enjoy a host of games throughout the week in Ireland. Check the results straight away to make sure you don’t miss out on any prizes, with the deadline now back to 90 days from the date of the winning draw.
