Yesterday, the Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Mims Davies, confirmed that the UK Government intends to boost the age limit for playing the National Lottery due to growing concerns over the constantly increasing number of children who get hooked on gambling.
Currently, the minimum legal age which is necessary for a person to gamble is 18 years but the National Lottery has been an exception, with a minimum age of 16 required. As explained by Ms Davies in an interview with The House magazine, the new measures are to be taken not to stop people from having fun but to make sure that most vulnerable individuals stay protected.
The Government found that further measures are necessary, as a recent report of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) revealed that about three-quarters of children have been able to purchase lottery tickets or scratchcards, even though it is illegal for persons under 16 years of age. According to data unveiled by the UKGC, about 17% of the children between 11 and 15 years had bought scratchcards. Of them, nearly 6 in 10 shared that they had done it because it was fun. Also, 34% decided to purchase a scratchcard because they believed they had a chance to win a jackpot, while another 25% did it because they had a chance of winning something.
Taking actual measures would definitely be a step forward for the UK Government, as in 2018 the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said that it only intends to have consultation on possible increase of the age limit for the next National Lottery licence competition which is set to be held in 2023.
The Number of Underage Problem Gamblers on the Rise in the UK
The Minister for Sport and Civil Society further indicated that the Government is considering to impose a crackdown on gambling advertising in sport in case that the industry failed to take action to make sure underage individuals and more vulnerable people are well-protected.
According to Ms Davies, gambling advertising in sport is definitely something which needs constant supervision. She further added that sport needs to recognise what is a healthy relationship between the game and the sponsors that are involved.
Over the past few years, gambling has become more popular among underage individuals, with anti-gambling campaigners sharing belief that a lower age limit for gambling could encourage young people to get into the habit. The lower age limit has also raised concerns that it could make it easier for even younger children to purchase National Lottery tickets and scratchcards.
According to GambleAware reports, 1 in 8 children aged 11 and 15 years are regular gamblers, with about 30,000 underage individuals being gambling addicts. Several months ago, the major gambling regulator in the country – the UKGC – 450,000 children aged 11 to 16 bet on a regular basis, which means underage gambling addicts in the country are more than the ones who have taken drugs, drunk alcohol or smoked.
- Author
Daniel Williams
