Does a Shop Get Paid for Selling a Winning Lottery Ticket?

Ever queued up in your local shop to buy a lottery ticket and wondered what happens behind the scenes if someone wins?

People tend to focus on the winning ticket holder, but it’s understandable to be curious about the part shops play. They sell thousands of tickets, so do they receive something extra when a big prize is won?

If you’ve ever wondered whether selling a winning ticket comes with its own reward, this guide explains what happens in the UK and how it fits within the rules set for the National Lottery. Read on to learn more. 

How Much Do UK Lottery Retailers Actually Get Paid?

If you buy a National Lottery ticket at your neighbourhood shop, the retailer earns a commission on the sale. Most shops receive around 5% of the ticket price as standard commission. So if you spend £2 on a Lotto ticket, the shop typically keeps about 10p from that sale.

If a jackpot-winning ticket is sold at a particular shop, there can also be a one-off bonus. In the UK, retailers who sell jackpot-winning National Lottery tickets receive a fixed bonus rather than a share of the winner’s prize. As of 2024, that bonus is commonly £25,000 for a winning Lotto jackpot ticket and £5,000 for a winning EuroMillions jackpot ticket. The amounts are set by the operator and do not scale with the size of the jackpot.

These arrangements are regulated to keep the system clear and consistent for retailers and players. If you do decide to try your hand at lottery games, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose. 

What Happens When a Shop Sells a National Lottery Winner?

If a shop sells a jackpot-winning ticket, the National Lottery verifies where it was purchased once a claim is made. This is handled securely, with identity checks on the claim and confirmation of the ticket’s origin before any retailer is contacted.

Payment Process and Retailer Notification

If your local shop sold the jackpot ticket, the National Lottery operator gets in touch directly to confirm the news. Retailers do not find out immediately after the draw; they are only notified once official checks are complete. The contact is made by phone and followed up in writing, and any point-of-sale materials are provided through official channels rather than printed by the shop itself.

The bonus is not paid through the till or at the moment of sale. It is processed separately by the operator and recorded against the retailer’s account. Keeping the payment outside day-to-day transactions helps avoid confusion and keeps records clean.

Timing of the Commission Payout

Retailer bonuses are usually paid after the winner has been validated and the claim is finalised. That can take a few weeks, because the National Lottery confirms all details before money moves. Payments are made to the business account linked to the retailer’s lottery terminal, alongside the regular settlement cycle the shop already uses for ticket sales.

How Retailer Rewards Compare to Other Countries

In the UK, the retailer bonus for selling a jackpot-winning ticket is fixed and does not depend on the prize amount. Other countries take different approaches.

In parts of the United States, some retailers receive a bonus that can be a percentage of the prize, in some cases up to around 1%. For very large jackpots, that can mean a six-figure payment to the shop. In Ireland, the bonus for selling a big Lotto winner is often around €15,000, though it can vary by game.

The UK’s model focuses on set payments and predictable costs. That makes it easier for small businesses to understand what they might receive without the outcome hinging on the jackpot size. 

Can Shops Use the Win for Promotion or Publicity?

If a winning ticket was sold at your local shop, you might see an official poster or small display appear soon after. Retailers often like to highlight that a win happened on their premises, and the National Lottery supplies approved materials to help them do that correctly.

There are clear boundaries, though. Shops are not allowed to reveal confidential information about the winner or share anything that could identify them. Any wording, imagery or claims used in-store must be accurate and in line with the operator’s guidance, rather than produced informally by the retailer. That protects the winner’s privacy and keeps marketing within the rules.

Handled properly, a modest in-store announcement can give regulars a talking point without overstepping the mark. For retailers, the real benefit remains the steady commission from everyday sales, with the occasional fixed bonus if a major win happens. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind. 

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}