The age limit for players participating in playing the National Lottery will rise from 16 to 18yrs after a Government review on the UK Gambling Act.
Revision of the Gambling Act
The new age limit will come into force in October 2021, and underage sales will cease in April 2021. The Gambling Act, which was last revised in 1995 is somewhat outdated with the huge shift in online gambling. The act is now under review by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) in a bid to reduce the harm of irresponsible gambling across the industry.Other considerations being discussed are the ban on the sponsorship of football shirts by betting companies, and also reducing stakes when playing online casino games.
Protection of The Younger Population
A call for evidence will run until March 2021 for a period of 16 weeks, featuring heavily on the issues around the protection for the younger population.Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said, “We’re committed to protecting younger 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 getaway to problem gambling.”Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said, “Whilst millions gamble responsibly, the gambling act is an analogue law in a digital age.“From an era of having a flutter in a high street bookmaker, casino, racecourse, or seaside pier, the industry has evolved at breakneck speed.”