Government to review National Lottery Games ‘age-of-play’ rules

Mims Davies Secretary for Sports and Civil Society has confirmed that the UK government will launch a consultation reviewing proposals to increase the minimum age-of-play on National Lottery scratchcards and instant win games.

The government opens its consultation, seeking advice on whether to raise the age-of-play from16-to-18 on some or all National Lottery syndicated games and products. The Consultation is set to review three policy outcomes:

• Do nothing, retain the minimum age of 16 for all National Lottery games
• Raise the minimum age to 18 for National Lottery instant win games (i.e. scratchcards and online instant win games)
• Raise the minimum age to 18 for all National Lottery games

‘The plans are to ensure that young people are rightly protected from the potential risks of gambling-related harm, although these remain very low on all National Lottery games.’ – the government detailed in its update.

Entering 2019, Mims Davies had detailed to Commons’ ‘House Magazine’ that the ‘government believes that gambling starts at 18’.

Furthermore, the UK minister warned the National Lottery, that it would have to make similar gambling responsibility adjustments, as the government seeks the highest standards across all gambling disciplines.

Mims Davies said:” The National Lottery raises vast sums for good causes, and society lotteries play a vital role in supporting local charities and grassroots organisations. These measures will ensure we create the best landscape so people across our communities can continue to benefit.”

“But we also need to make sure that the National Lottery is fair and safe. That is why we are looking to raise the minimum age for instant win games so children and young people are protected. We are open to all feedback on changes to this and all of the various lottery products.”

The government will review feedback on minimum age requirements, as it prepares to tender its ‘4^th National Lottery Licence‘, reviewing whether to renew the operating contract of current incumbent Camelot Group, who has serviced the National Lottery since 1994

Preparing for the tender, The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has called on the wider UK business community with regards to developing the framework and operating objectives for its National Lottery contract.