The Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Mims Davis, has called for the minimum age for scratch cards and instant win games to rise from 16 to 18, in a bid to protect vulnerable young people.At the moment the age for playing televised National Lottery games or scratch cards is 16, the Government are in consult and are looking at raising the age to 18.
‘Low Risk’
Although playing National Lottery games is deemed as low risk, the Government are taking steps to protect young, vulnerable people from the potential risk of a gambling addiction.The Government are set to raise Society lotteries yearly sales limit to £50 million, with the money they raise for good causes increased. The maximum draw prize will be set at £500,000. After a detailed consultation, the Government support society lotteries in their growth and to increase their fund raising without costly bureaucracy standing in the way if limits are breached.Mims Davis said,“ I am immensely proud of the exceptional role that the National Lottery has played in Britain over the last 25 years. We want to protect it’s special place and these changes strike the right balance to ensure both the National Lottery and society lotteries can survive.“ The national Lottery has raised vast sums of money for good causes, and society lotteries play a vital role in supporting local charities and grassroots organisations. These measures will ensure we create the best landscape so people across our communities can continue to benefit.”
Protect Young, Vulnerable People
She went on to say, although the good these lotteries bring to so many, they also have to look at the National Lottery as fair and safe. Raising the age limit on instant games will protect children and young adults.In the last 25 years since the National Lottery began in Britain, over £40 billion has been raised for good causes. Society lotteries, the Peoples Postcode Lottery and the Health Lottery have raised a further £300 million per year for good causes.