You Can Now Play EuroMillions Up to Four Weeks in Advance
Last Updated: Tuesday 27th September 2022, 09:04 am
After several weeks of coronavirus-related restrictions, you can once again play EuroMillions up to four weeks in advance. The lifting of restrictions comes as Ireland starts preparing to exit lockdown.
The measures to restrict advance EuroMillions play came into force from March, in consultation with the other eight participating nations. Since 11th April, it was only possible to choose numbers for one draw at a time in Ireland. Other countries took similar steps: UK EuroMillions tickets were restricted to one week at a time and in Spain all ticket sales were suspended.
This was to limit any further disruption caused by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. EuroMillions draws take place every Tuesday and Friday in France, which is also in lockdown, and although draws have continued as normal during this time the decision was taken to limit sales in case the situation worsened even further and draws had to be cancelled.
No draws have needed to be cancelled while restrictions have been in place and in the same week that the Government’s lockdown exit plan was announced, the National Lottery confirmed that advance ticket sales for EuroMillions will return to normal.
That means you can once again enter one, two, four, six, or eight draws in advance. This will help maintain social distancing as you will not need to visit a retailer as often to get your entries.
Even though the restrictions on tickets have been relaxed, online entry remains the safest way to play, as it means you don’t have to leave your home at all. You can enter using your computer, smartphone, and tablet, and your numbers are stored in your online player account for you to access at any time. The EuroMillions jackpot currently stands at €56 million for the next draw on Friday.
Other Irish lottery games have not seen restrictions put in place on advance entries, and draws have been taking place as normal. Prizes can also still be claimed as usual from stores, An Post claim centres, and the National Lottery’s Dublin headquarters, but in the case of the latter winners have been urged to call and arrange an appointment beforehand.
Last month the National Lottery also announced that winners of draw games would have an extra three months to claim prizes, extending the claim period to a total of six months. This is to encourage players to stay at home and avoid unnecessary journeys and it applies to all entries purchased for draws taking place between 9th January 2020 and the week of 5th July 2020.
