UK National Lottery could raise players’ age limit

"I am immensely proud of the exceptional role that the National Lottery has played in Britain over the past 25 years," Ms. Davies said. "We want to ensure that both the National Lottery and society lotteries can thrive."

2019-07-19

United Kingdom

Reading time 1:32 min

The government has announced plans to increase the minimum age to play National Lottery scratchcards and instant win games, as well as society lotteries’ maximum draw prize.

Minister for Sport and Civil Society Mims Davies said the age limit for playing the National Lottery games could be raised to 18, in an attempt to protect vulnerable young people.

The current age limit for all National Lottery games is 16, but the government will now consult on whether it should be raised to 18 for some or all National Lottery games and products.

"I am immensely proud of the exceptional role that the National Lottery has played in Britain over the past 25 years," Ms. Davies said. "We want to protect its special place and these changes strike the right balance to ensure that both the National Lottery and society lotteries can thrive."

But Labour's shadow culture secretary, Tom Watson, said the minimum age for all gambling products should be 18, and there was "absolutely no need" for a consultation on the age limit.

The government also confirmed a move to increase society lotteries’ maximum draw prize from £400,000 to £500,000.

The new limits, which have not been increased for a decade, come after a detailed consultation and will support society lotteries to grow, removing the need for lotteries to slow down their fundraising, and allow them to get rid of the costly bureaucracy designed to stop them breaching the current limits.

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

"It is important that society lotteries demonstrate the highest levels of transparency, and in addition to the above changes, the Gambling Commission plan to consult on measures to tighten the licensing framework for society lotteries, looking in particular at the information provided to players on how the proceeds of a lottery are used (including publishing breakdowns of where all money is spent), and the good causes that benefit," she added.

The consultation on the minimum age for playing National Lottery games will last 12 weeks from 16 July 2019 until 08 October 2019.