In the UK, it has been revealed that starting from next October, in 2021, under 18s will no longer be able to buy scratch cards.
Most gamblers bet online these days. Credit: BBC
Currently, anyone over 16 can play the lottery or buy a scratch card, but as of next October, this will be raised to over 18 – something many say is long “overdue”.
The government has said they will launch a “major and wide-ranging review” of the whole gambling sector, which will also take a look at advertising.
The lottery is going to be included in this new age exclusion, with under 18s to be banned from playing the lottery from next year too. Not only that, but the ban for the national lottery will start in April 2021, but only for online purchases of lottery tickets.
“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.”
Mr Huddleston stressed that the review of the sector would aim to “strike a careful balance” between both individual freedom, and protecting the vulnerable.
More aspects of gambling will be looked at before these dates, with research into whether more needs to be done to protect vulnerable young adults and teens expected to be carried out.
