As we reported back in July this year that there was a growing groundswell of support to increase the age limit of the National Lottery, raising the bar from 16 years of age to 18 years to be able to purchase a ticket and take part. It has now been confirmed this morning that the age limit will increase to 18 from October 2021.
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As a general rule, the minimum legal age for gambling in the UK is 18 years old. This applies to adult gaming centres, betting shops, bingo halls, casinos, racetracks and online gambling. The minimum age for playing the National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18 from October 2021, as part of a “major and wide-ranging review” of gambling laws in the UK.
In addition it has also been announced by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Downden, that the government will be reviewing the current Gambling Act that came into force back in 2005, with Downden stating: “The current legislation, established in 2005, was “an analogue law in a digital age.”
Downden further stated: “The industry had evolved at breakneck speed and the aim of the review was to tackle problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people.”
The raising of the minimum age to play the UK National Lottery will no doubt be welcomed by groups campaigning for responsible gambling, as will the forthcoming review of the 2005 Gambling Act. Sports Minister Nigel Huddlestone, commenting on the news of next years age limit increase said: “We’re committed to protecting young people from gambling-related harm, which is why we are raising the minimum age for the National Lottery.”
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“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.”
Review of UK 2005 Gambling Act
As previously covered here on Casinomeister, the UK government initiated a ‘call for evidence’ canvassing views concerning the current legislation in place, which is to run until the end of March 2021. All aspects of the Act in its current form will be looked at, with the view to tighten up areas where it is perceived to be lacking in protection of players and also minors.
Solutions being considered include the possible introduction of loss limits, maximum stake limits and also a ban on gambling firms advertising with and sponsoring professional football clubs.
The review is welcomed by the Gambling Health Alliance, a collection of 50 responsible gambling charities and academics, with their chair Duncan Stephenson commenting on the news: “The public had been at the mercy of a gambling industry which has taken advantage of “sluggish and inadequate” regulation.”
“We have seen the devastating effects of this on lives lost and ruined, with gambling companies shamelessly exploiting the young and vulnerable, making obscene amounts of money at the expense of some of our most deprived communities.”
The Gambling Health Alliance is just one of a number of bodies calling for a ban on all gambling advertising and sponsorship in professional sports.
The first act of reform
The UK government will raise the minimum age for playing the National Lottery from 16 to 18 next year. The measure is the first regulatory reform to be confirmed as the government begins its review of the Gambling Act 2005.
make sure the National Lottery is not a gateway to problem gambling”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has outlined its reasoning for the age limit increase, describing a growing trend toward online play and instant win games like scratch cards. UK Minister for Sport, Tourism, and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said the measure will “make sure the National Lottery is not a gateway to problem gambling.”
After a consultation, the DCMS has decided the new law will go into effect in October 2021. Online sales to those under the age of 18 will stop in April next year. A spokesperson for Camelot, the current National Lottery operator, said the company “fully supports” the decision.
The Gambling Act 2005 review
The UK government established the region’s current gambling legislation in 2005. The DCMS is now leading a review of that legislation, which will examine how “gambling has changed over the past 15 years.” Many have predicted the review will result in significant changes to the UK gambling market.
As part of the process, the DCMS is running a 16-week call for evidence until March 2021. The government body announced the launch of the review on its Twitter page on Tuesday morning:
MPs will consider a number of subjects during the process, including the introduction of stake limits for online gambling, possible curtails of gambling advertising in sports, and the issue of loot boxes. The review will also assess the UK Gambling Commission’s role and efficacy as a market regulator.
In a statement on the UK government website, Julian Knight, chair of the DCMS, said he believed the review could help “re-balance” the odds between gamblers and operators. According to Knight, the market has seen increasing dominance of online gaming as well as artificial intelligence usage. As a result, the DCMS chair called for “greater transparency” in the algorithms used by gambling companies.
Industry response to the review
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher welcomed the review but urged the government to ensure an “evidence-led” approach. Additionally, he warned that drastic changes could drive people towards the unregulated black market. Dugher detailed the “huge economic contribution” made by the betting industry, including more than £3.2bn ($4.28bn) in annual tax.
urged the government to ensure an “evidence-led” approach
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William Hill CEO Ulrik Bengtsson released a similar statement regarding the review. The executive also called for an “evidence-led” approach, referring to the progress already made by the industry in customer protection. He said he looked forward to engaging with the government during the process to ensure any reform worked alongside measures already in place.
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Meanwhile, the Gambling Commission’s response detailed the work already done to “protect players and the public” since the agency’s formation in 2005. Among the progress referred to by Neil McArthur, CEO of the commission, was the strengthening of age identity verification, new guidance for VIP schemes, and a ban on credit card use at gambling sites.