A major technical failure has forced the National Lottery to declare Saturday's entire Lotto draw void, plunging the weekly event into chaos and infuriating players across the UK.
The shock announcement from operator Camelot came after what it described as a 'technical issue' prevented an unknown number of players from purchasing tickets for the £4 million jackpot draw. The decision means all tickets purchased for the 14th October draw are now invalid, and players will receive full refunds.
'We sincerely apologise to all players,' a Camelot spokesperson stated. 'We have declared the Lotto draw void as it is the fairest course of action for all players. Everyone will be refunded the cost of their ticket.'
The unprecedented move has sparked outrage among regular players who feel cheated out of a potential win. Many took to social media to express their frustration, questioning the integrity of the system and the timing of the announcement, which came after the draw had taken place.
What This Means for Players
If you purchased a ticket for the Saturday draw, here is what happens next:
- All Lotto tickets for the 14th October draw are now invalid.
- You will be automatically refunded the cost of your ticket.
- Refunds for online players will be made directly to their National Lottery accounts.
- Those who bought physical tickets from a retailer are advised to return to the shop for a refund.
The Lotto game is expected to resume with a new draw on Wednesday, 18th October, featuring a new estimated jackpot of £2 million.
A History of Problems
This is not the first time Camelot has faced technical difficulties. The incident raises serious questions about the reliability of the National Lottery's infrastructure and its duty of care to the millions who play each week. The Gambling Commission, which regulates the National Lottery, confirmed it is 'urgently investigating the incident'.
For now, the promise of a refund offers little consolation to players who are left wondering if their unplayed numbers could have been the lucky ones.
