In brief
The Gambling Commission has varied the Section 6 scratchcard licence to permit scratchcard games priced at 10 pounds during a pilot starting in September 2026. The variation takes effect from 27 July 2026. For players, this means 10 pound scratchcards may return on a trial basis, with monitoring and player protection controls in place. The pilot will be evaluated, and a process for its conclusion is included.
- Commission allows 10 pound scratchcards in pilot from September 2026.
- Variation effective 27 July 2026 under Section 6 licence.
- Pilot includes monitoring and player protection controls.
Last reviewed 19 September 2026.
What was decided
The Gambling Commission has varied the Section 6 scratchcard licence to enable the promotion of scratchcard games with a price of 10 pounds during a pilot commencing in September 2026. The variation takes effect from 27 July 2026. The decision applies to scratchcards only and is separate from other lottery products. The Commission has set out the controls that will be in place during the pilot and the process that will be undertaken at its conclusion. The National Lottery is run by Allwyn Entertainment Ltd under a 10 year licence from February 2024 to January 2034, awarded and regulated by the Gambling Commission.
Why the Commission approved it
Each game needs its own Section 6 licence under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. Any new game or rule change needs the Commission's consent, and the Commission publishes a decision notice weighing propriety, the interests of participants, and returns to Good Causes. In this case, the Commission said potential risks to participants can be managed through player protection controls, monitoring and evaluation. It expects the operator to monitor any risk of harm and ensure games do not encourage excessive play. The decision reintroduces a price point that was previously withdrawn in 2019 following concerns about problem gambling.
What changes for players
From the start of the pilot in September 2026, scratchcard games priced at 10 pounds may be promoted. The variation takes effect from 27 July 2026. This means players aged 18 and over may see 10 pound scratchcards on sale again on a trial basis. The pilot includes monitoring and evaluation. The Commission has not announced which specific scratchcard games will be offered at this price, how many will be available, or how long the pilot will last. Those details have not been announced.
Player protection and responsible play
Lottery games are for over 18s. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours. The Commission said potential risks to participants can be managed through player protection controls, monitoring and evaluation. It expects the operator to monitor any risk of harm and ensure games do not encourage excessive play. The variation includes the controls that will be in place during the pilot. The Commission has not announced the specific player protection controls that will apply, beyond saying they are included in the variation.
What happens next
The pilot commences in September 2026. The variation includes the process that will be undertaken at its conclusion. The Commission will evaluate the pilot and decide on next steps. The Commission has not announced the length of the pilot, the evaluation criteria, or what will happen to 10 pound scratchcards after the pilot ends. Separately, from 8 April 2026 the Commission allowed online interactive instant win games to be priced up to 10 pounds, up from 5 pounds, with the top prize limit raised from 1 million pounds to 4 million pounds.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Gambling Commission decide?
It varied the Section 6 scratchcard licence to enable the promotion of scratchcard games priced at 10 pounds during a pilot commencing in September 2026. The variation takes effect from 27 July 2026. The decision includes controls for the pilot and a process for its conclusion. The Commission said risks can be managed through player protection controls, monitoring and evaluation.
When does the change take effect?
The variation takes effect from 27 July 2026. The pilot commences in September 2026. The Commission has not announced the exact start date in September or how long the pilot will run. The variation includes the process that will be undertaken at its conclusion.
Does this affect online instant win games?
Separately, from 8 April 2026 the Commission allowed online interactive instant win games to be priced up to 10 pounds, up from 5 pounds, with the top prize limit raised from 1 million pounds to 4 million pounds. That decision is separate from the scratchcard pilot. The Commission has not announced further changes to online instant win games.
What help is available for gambling concerns?
The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours. Lottery games are for over 18s. The Commission expects the operator to monitor any risk of harm and ensure games do not encourage excessive play. The Commission has not announced additional support measures beyond those already in place.
