National Lottery players were locked out of the app and website on Monday morning, potentially leaving millions of pounds unclaimed.
The blackout followed a scheduled 24-hour maintenance period that was supposed to conclude by the end of Sunday.
It meant that all digital platforms remained inaccessible for many users attempting to check results or participate in draws.
Those hoping to participate this morning were greeted with the message: “Sorry, our app is unable to load for you.”
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“This could be due to planned maintenance or you being blocked by your internet provider,” it read.
According to the site Downdetector, complaints began flooding in shortly before 6am.
The number of reported issues soared beyond 340 by 7.30am, with more people tried to log on.
The outage of service continued for users after the National Lottery’s digital platforms underwent upgrades over the weekend.
The National Lottery's app and webiste is down this morning
|GB NEWS
The maintenance window had been set to run from 11pm on Saturday through to Sunday evening.
It took the website, along with both iOS and Android applications, offline.
Allwyn, the operator of the National Lottery, had promised the upgrades would deliver an improved experience following the technology work.
They had previously indicated that users would encounter several modifications upon the platforms' return, including a redesigned payment interface.
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Those hoping to participate this morning were greeted with the message: 'Sorry, our app is unable to load for you'
|GETTY
The operator stated that checking results, playing games and claiming prizes would be made "even simpler".
Instructional videos and frequently asked questions were also prepared to help players navigate the changes.
Those with automatic updates enabled on their devices would receive the new app version without action, while others would be prompted to download it manually.
However, the outrage has now meant those hoping to claim their weekend winnings have been met with an agonising wait.
Draw results and prize information remained accessible through the National Lottery's network of 43,500 retail locations across the country
|GETTY
One irate player informed GB News that he had been left unable to claim a £5.60 prize this morning.
Beyond such modest hauls, millions could still be left on the table as punters eagerly await the return of the Lotto’s digital offerings.
In a silver lining for players, there remain ways to interact with the system.
Draw results and prize information remained accessible through YouTube and across the National Lottery's network of 43,500 retail locations across the country.
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