The National Lottery has undergone a takeover by Allwyn, resulting in changes to the way winners claim their prize money, causing delays and frustration among some winners. Previously, winners could collect their money at the Post Office but now they have to follow an online process and send in their physical ticket. This has led to significant delays, with winners waiting weeks to receive their winnings. Sergei Cofie-Squire, who won £1,500, has been waiting for his money since March despite following all the required procedures.
The new rules require winners to fill out online forms and submit their physical tickets to Allwyn in order to claim their prizes. This process has caused delays for many winners like Sergei, who have not received their winnings for weeks. Despite sending in all the necessary documents, some winners have been left waiting without any official updates or communication from Allwyn. This has caused frustration and disappointment among winners who expected to receive their money promptly.
Another winner, Ray Laird, won £800 in March but has also faced delays in receiving his prize money. Unable to navigate the online process himself, Ray had his daughter submit his details and ticket on his behalf. Despite being promised his winnings by a certain date, he never received the money and was left frustrated with the lack of communication and support from Allwyn. The delays have added additional financial stress for winners like Ray, who were relying on the prize money to cover essential expenses.
In response to the delays, an Allwyn spokesperson explained that the new claims process has experienced higher volumes of players contacting them, leading to delays in prize distribution. The company has increased staff to assist with claims and is working on improving the process to ensure that all winners receive their prizes. There have been recent changes to expedite the process for prizes under £1,000 and to remind players that prizes up to £500 can still be claimed in a store. Allwyn reassures that all winners will eventually receive their prize money.
The delays in prize distribution have impacted the lives of winners like Sergei and Ray, who have been waiting for weeks to receive their winnings. The frustration and financial strain caused by the delays have highlighted the challenges faced by winners under the new rules implemented by Allwyn. Despite efforts to streamline the claims process and address the delays, some winners continue to face uncertainty and disappointment in their dealings with the National Lottery and the new company, Allwyn.
The National Lottery takeover by Allwyn has brought about significant changes in the prize claiming process, causing delays and frustration for winners. The online forms and physical ticket submission requirements have led to delays in prize distribution, leaving winners like Sergei and Ray waiting for weeks without receiving their winnings. Allwyn acknowledges the issues and is working to improve the process to ensure that all winners receive their prizes. However, the ongoing delays underscore the challenges faced by winners under the new rules, highlighting the need for better communication and support for prize claimants.
