Short Answer 
Invalid barcode messages on lottery tickets indicate that the ticket is not valid, often due to the absence of a Secure Shield symbol. For proper validation, refer to the retailer’s guidelines or the lottery’s website, and if facing access issues with the national lottery site, check for website availability, network stability, and firewall settings.
Step 1: Understand Invalid Barcode Messages
If a lottery ticket is scanned and the terminal displays an “Invalid barcode read” message, this means that the barcode underneath the scratch surface is not valid. This usually occurs when the ticket lacks the Secure Shield symbol on the back. Such tickets cannot be validated through standard means.
Step 2: Troubleshooting Ticket Validation
For tickets that do not have the Secure Shield, it’s essential to follow specific instructions for validation. Check the retailer’s guidelines or the lottery’s official website to find out how to verify these tickets. This may involve contacting customer service or checking for alternate validation methods.
Step 3: Resolving Access Issues with National Lottery
If you find you are unable to access the national lottery website, there could be several reasons. Common issues to check include:
- Website overload or temporary unavailability.
- Network connection problems, such as unstable internet.
- Firewall or proxy settings that might be blocking access to the site.