One of the best things about the UK comes from our cosmopolitanism. Nested so close to the EU, our choices in so many aspects of life far outstrip practically any other country on earth.
Whether looking at food, travel, business opportunities, and more, stepping outside of the nationwide doorstep is always a card that UK citizens have in their deck.
The same can be said for entertainment, such as the wide world of betting. This leads us to a common question we’ve seen circulating recently, in how it can be possible to play regional lotteries like the Irish lotto from home. The answer, as it turns out, is simpler than you might think.
Getting Started
Before getting into how players can engage, it’s necessary to first mention that the Irish lotto isn’t locked by region. This means that, no matter where in the world you live, from the UK to beyond, you can easily participate in the game without having to jump through any hoops.
While you’re not likely to see opportunities for playing the lottery down at the corner store, the online world is much more accessible. In simple terms, as long as you have an accepted online payment method, chances are you’ll be able to buy a ticket of such great lotteries like MultiLotto. But first, check the review about this brand.
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This system can be bought into with a simple credit card, though major digital payment systems like Neteller and Skrill are also accepted. Simply make sure you have currency available on your system of choice, head to a provider, make an account, buy a ticket, and you’re ready to go.
“Venmo, Square Cash, Skrill, PayPal, Appl” (CC BY 2.0) by Monito – Money Transfer Comparison
When it comes to checking possible payouts, winnings again aren’t likely to be shared at most corner stores. Instead, players can visit the same sorts of sites that offer UK Lotto draw results to see if they’ve backed any winning numbers. Websites like this are dedicated to listing the UK lotto results and payouts, but they can also provide numbers and results for the Irish game and the different payout tiers. Updated instantly, such services can streamline betting and payouts into one easy-to-understand location
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To Keep in Mind
If you’re new to the online betting space, or just the lottery, there are a couple of factors that you’ll need to keep in mind. The first is that to withdraw any winnings you’re still going to need proof of identity and a valid bank account. Often these methods can require verification data like bank invoices and pictures of photo ID, so be sure to have these handy in case you hit it big.
The second major issue to consider is that of device safety. Though the websites which allow betting are perfectly safe, the same might not be true about your computer or phone. For this reason, we’d recommend regular scans using free malware checkers to ensure your device of choice is free of unwanted eyes. Again, this is simpler than it might seem, so don’t be discouraged.
“Money Pile” (CC BY 2.0) by kenycoleartist
From this point, you know all you need to get involved. Just like in the physical game, the online method is remarkably easy to use, even for those not technologically inclined. Simply follow the steps carefully, be sure your device is clean, and you’ll be ready to go. Just consider visiting Ireland if you do win, as thanks for what their lotto did for you.
UK News
Flashbacks: The timelapse of the Trafford Centre construction that’s gone viral
Danny Jones
The Trafford Centre might look like some decadent Roman emperor’s palace or as if it was plucked from the heart of Ancient Grecian city, but as anyone old enough to remember it’s opening and/or construction will tell you, it seems strange to think its not even been around for three decades yet.
As Greater Manchester’s and one of the North West’s most famous shopping centres full stop, the iconic attraction first began being built back in 1996, when John Major was Prime Minister, Manchester United were still Premier League champions, Britpop was at its peak and George Michael was number one.
It’s fair to say that a lot has changed since then and although Oasis might be back come 2025, The Trafford Centre and surrounding area are pretty unrecgonisable compared to nearly 30 years ago.
All told, it took approximately 27 months to erect the neo-classical epicentre of all things shopping, leisure, food and fanciness – and here’s what the process looked like:
With the initial 14 million sq ft shopping centre being completed in September 1998 following approximately 810 days of work, The Trafford Centre debuted to the Manc public and beyond.
It took more than 3,000 builders to bring the 60 hectare site to life at the peak of construction and since then the plot has only grown bigger, bolder and more ambitious over time.
Present day, it has everything from cinema screens and a mini Legoland to a Sea Life location, multiple bowling alleys and countless other forms of entertainment beyond just rows of shops and restaurants – hence why it remains busy pretty much year-round.
Back then, British celebrities, popular local names of note, politicians, dignitaries and prominent figures from the retail industry got to visit as part of exclusive preview events in the days before its launch date.
You can see the spectacle and fascination surrounding the official opening event here:
Seems surreal watching this today but the construction of the Trafford Centre was a huge moment not just for 0161 but all of the North.
But of course, the entire complex itself has seen multiple extensions over the years, including massive developments such as Barton Square and The Great Hall.
At the outset, it cost more than £600 million to build The Trafford Centre; the major renovations mentioned above which took place in 2008 cost another £100m and the Trafford Palazzo revamp around a decade later came in at around £75m.
There has and always will be lots of money put behind this intruguing monument to modern consumerism, and big brands will continue to flock to open units within the huge expanse whenever they can: some of the most recent being Archie’s, Flying Tiger, Sephora, Tiffany, Gymshark and more.
We’ll admit the aesthetic still makes us double-take from time to time (though not as much as confused Londoners visiting for the first time), but it’s not like this part of the world hasn’t boasted plenty of other curiosities in the past…
Featured Images — Charles Bowring (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group
UK News
You can win a free hotel stay for you and a friend as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day
Danny Jones
Fancy doing a loved one a solid and scoring them such much-needed rest and relaxation this month courtesy of a free hotel stay? You’re a kind soul, of course you do.
To help celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day this year, Travelodge are giving away a handful of free hotel stays at locations up and down the UK as a way of letting friends, colleagues and just all-around good eggs know that they’re top bananas.
Now that’s the kind of unconditional positivity we can get behind.
So, if you know someone who could really benefit from a fresh hotel bed, a ridiculously long shower and a lovely British mini-break this year, keep reading.
If you’re wondering how it all works, it’s quite simple – to enter the prize draw and nominate a bestie or beloved, you simply have to tag them in the Instagram reel above.
Alternatively, you can @ them in the comments on Travelodge’s Facebook or nominate them HERE, and make sure you give lots of lovely reasons as to why they deserve it, of course.
But wait for it, here’s the best bit: if they happen to be selected YOU get to win a free hotel stay too. Happy days times two!
Good friends = good prizes on Random Acts of Kindness Day 2025.
And that really is about as complicated as it gets; the lucky winners must book their stay at a Travelodge hotel within a month of winning the prize and enjoy the room within the next 12 months but, other that that, it’s all pretty straightforward and lovely.
If you love it around so much you have no interest in leaving, there of course multiple Greater Manchester locations (Credit: Travelodge)
One last thing, you must enter by before 11.59pm tonight (Monday, 17 Feb) in order to be eligible and all valid entries will then be selected via a random draw by 27 February 2024.
The Manc -
1st May 2021 
