The new Lottery Wave terminals feature a high-speed processor that ensures faster transactions, a bigger and tilt-adjustable LCD screen, wireless 1D barcode and 2D code scanners
A major change is coming to National Lottery tickets sold in supermarkets.
Allwyn, the operator of the National Lottery, is rolling out more than 30,000 new high-tech ticket machines in stores nationwide.
The new Lottery Wave terminals feature a high-speed processor that ensures faster transactions, a bigger and tilt-adjustable LCD screen, wireless 1D barcode and 2D code scanners, and a play slip reader that can be fed both horizontally and vertically.
They also include enhanced reporting features and the ability to change numbers on National Lottery Fast Pay cards. In the first half of 2025, around 8,000 retailers have received their new Lottery Wave terminal.
By the end of August, another 4,000 shops will see their old Altura terminals replaced. It comes as part of a wider multi-million pound investment to modernise the National Lottery.
Jenny Blogg, Allwyn Director of Operations, said: “This is another massive undertaking from Allwyn as we deliver generational change to the National Lottery.
“We have invested more than £350million in a comprehensive plan to transform the National Lottery, substantially improving its operations and technology.
“These will support exciting plans we have for new games, a better player experience, and a commitment to double returns to Good Causes from £30million to £60million every week by the end of our 10-year licence.
“Over the coming months, our team will be delivering and installing thousands of Wave machines every week. We understand the importance of this new technology in enhancing the in-store experience for both retailers and their customers. We are thrilled at the highly encouraging feedback we have received for the new Wave machines.”
It comes after Allwyn paused its system for a weekend due to a major upgrade. This impacted the National Lottery website and app, as well as retail points. Allwyn said the system upgrade was the biggest since it first launched in 1994.
Some of the changes included a “fresh new look” for The National Lottery in 43,500 shops across the UK, and paying retail prizes directly into players’ bank accounts for the first time. These prizes were previously paid by cheque.
Winners will need to go online to fill in their claim form and upload an image of their winning ticket. After this, you’ll get an email with a link to submit your bank account details.
There will also be new ways to play, including via home delivery and at all Aldi self-checkouts. Finally, there will be over 200 new instants games
Allwyn took over as operator of National Lottery from Camelot in 2024. Camelot had been in charge of running the National Lottery since the game began in the UK in 1994.
Allwyn Entertainment is a gambling group owner by Czech energy billionaire Karel Komarek. It currently operates across Europe including in Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece and Cyprus, and Italy.
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