source: pixabay.com The UK Government announced on Tuesday that the age limit for playing the National Lottery and scratchcards will be raised from 16 to 18 next year.
In the latest move in the crackdown on gambling, the government has promised a “major and wide-ranging review” of the gambling sector. The review is expected to include advertising restrict actions as well as limits on online stakes.
The Conservative MP for Hertsmere and Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden told the BBC:
“We're committed to protecting young people from gambling-related harm, which is why we are raising the minimum age for the National Lottery,” said sport minister Nigel Huddleston.
“Patterns of play have changed since its inception, with a shift towards online games, and this change will help make sure the National Lottery, although already low-risk, is not a gateway to problem gambling.”
What Has Changed?
Online sales of National Lottery and Scratchcards to 16 and 17-year-olds will end in April 2021. All sales of National Lottery and Scratchcards to 16 and 17-year-olds will end in October 2021.
Sports, Tourism and Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said of the change:
“We're committed to protecting young people from gambling-related harm, which is why we are raising the minimum age for the National Lottery,”
“Patterns of play have changed since its inception, with a shift towards online games, and this change will help make sure the National Lottery, although already low-risk, is not a gateway to problem gambling.”
The current law, implemented in 2005, is considered by many to be out of date and not reflective of the advances in technology and gambling preferences made since then. The law was described by the UK government as “an analogue law in a digital age.”
Protecting Problem Gamblers
With an emphasis very much on protecting the vulnerable, problem gamblers and preventing children from gambling.
Ian Proctor, UK chairman of Paddy Power's parent company Flutter agreed, telling the BBC's Today programme:
We take [problem gambling] incredibly seriously… but let's also get this in a little bit of context,”
“For millions of people every week, they enjoy a bet, it's a leisure activity, it gives people a lot of pleasure. For some people, it's not, for a small minority. And we need to make gambling safer for those people.”
There has been recent talk of introducing a £100 monthly loss limit as fears have grown over the impact of the lockdown on problem gamblers and those with the potential for problem gambling.
The Tide Turning
The National Lottery and scratchcards are considered low-risk gambling. However, the latest move to raise the age limit is very much current trends. Cartoon images and images that would appeal to children have been banned for a number of years already.
Overall, there is more of a concerted effort to protect those at risk of problem gambling more than ever before. Next year should see the tide turning even more.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
