The website, as well as the game's iOS and Android apps, will pause (Image: Getty )

People who regularly play the National Lottery and use its website and apps are being told there will be a scheduled shutdown in the next few days. It will mean users will be unable to use most of its services properly for about a day.

The National Lottery website and apps will be taken offline for approximately 24 hours this weekend to facilitate a significant upgrade. The national-lottery.co.uk site, along with the game's iOS and Android apps, will be paused from 11pm on January 24 until the end of Sunday while the work is undertaken.

Players will have the ability to log in and play online up until 11pm on Saturday, and the Lotto and Thunderball draws will proceed as usual from 8pm that evening. Once the website and apps are offline, players will still have the option to purchase tickets at retailers across the country.

Results and prize breakdowns will be accessible on YouTube and at The National Lottery's 43,500 retail outlets. Winnings on retail-purchased tickets of up to £500 can be claimed in-store as per usual.

Operator Allwyn stated that players would notice "a few" changes once the website and apps are back online, such as a new payment screen. They would also find the process of checking results, playing games and claiming prizes "even simpler", with videos and FAQs on key changes available to guide players.

App users with auto-updates enabled will receive the new version automatically, while others will be prompted to update when they next load the app. Allwyn announced it was also introducing mandatory personal deposit and spend limit setting for all new customers, as well as automatic logouts after 60 minutes, with a 10-minute cooling-off period, and regular 20-minute "reality checks" for instant game players.

The National Lottery operator has announced that the next phase in its "transformation journey" involves transitioning the accounts of the game's 11.8 million active registered players to a new system. The revamped digital channels will offer the broadest ever range of National Lottery games, enhanced protection tools and a refreshed look, all "while keeping the experience familiar for existing players".

Once the upgrade is finalised, players will be able to log in as usual, according to Allwyn. The company also stated that these digital enhancements are a "springboard for even more exciting plans coming in the months ahead".

Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler commented: "These much-needed digital upgrades mark another milestone in our transformation to make The National Lottery more player-focused, with new games, more winners, and greater support for Good Causes."

She added: "This is just the beginning of an exciting year for Allwyn and The National Lottery, as we work towards our ambitious goal to double weekly returns to Good Causes from £30 million a week at the start of the licence to £60 million by 2034."

Previously, Allwyn had temporarily halted National Lottery sales and payouts for approximately 36 hours at the end of July to accommodate the largest technology upgrade in the game's 31-year history.

People who play the National Lottery should do so responsibly. Set limits on how much to spend, avoid trying to win back lost money, and make sure it doesn't disrupt everyday life. The lottery is meant to be fun and to support good causes, not to be relied on for income. There are also tools available to help players keep their spending in check.

National Lottery 24-hour shut down scheduled for website and apps - The Mirror