Minimum age requirement for National Lottery games under review

“The Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport has issued a consultation on the minimum age for playing National Lottery Games and the full consultation document can be found here.

The consultation acknowledges that over the years there has been a significant growth in online gambling and that the development of online and mobile platforms have revolutionised player interaction with the National Lottery games.

The DCMS identifies that the relative proportion and total sales revenue of instant win games, especially scratchcards, has increased over time and the consultation considers whether the availability of all National Lottery games to those under 18 remains appropriate.

The Government’s objectives include:

• Ensuring that young people are protected from the potential risks of gambling related harm;
• Maintaining the National Lottery’s special status as a low-risk product and distinct from commercial gambling, to ensure that it remains attractive to the player base and continues to support good causes in the future; and
• Responding to trends in technology and player behaviour and future proof the National Lottery.

The consultation provides detailed analysis of participation data, risk of harm, sales revenue and risk of underage play.

Consultees are asked to consider the following options:

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

The consultation is being conducted by online survey, which can be found here.  The consultation will close on the 8th October 2019”.

For further information on this issue or any other legal related gambling issues contact solicitor Richard Bradley at r.bradley@popall.co.uk or call 0115 953 8500.