UK Government Could Raise Age Limit on Lottery Play

All eyes over recent days have been on the news that the UK Government will be reducing the maximum bet amount on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) from £100 down to £2, but that is not the only change the Government is considering.

A consultation is to be launched to discuss whether the age limit on the National Lottery should be raised to 18, in line with other forms of gambling in the UK.

The proposed change from the current limit of 16 is part of the UK Government and the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) plan to protect vulnerable gamblers.

Concerns

A document published by Culture Minister Tracey Crouch explained her plans to look into raising the age limit:

“Unlike commercial gambling products, National Lottery games can be played from 16,’ the document said.

‘We intend to consider this issue as part of the next licence competition for the National Lottery.

‘We will aim to gather evidence on this issue in order to consider it fully in time for the next licence competition. The current licence expires in 2023.”

The research carried out is intended to find out how much of an effect lottery games have on players under 18 in the UK.

Unexpected support

Britain’s youngest Euromillions winner, Jane Park, voiced her concerns, saying her life would have been considerably better had she not won a million at such a young age, as she was not in full control of her decisions to spend it on a lavish lifestyle.

Any changes made, as the document explained, will not be made until 2023, so it could be a fair while before we learn whether this change is going to become official, but with increased attention on ways to protect vulnerable gamblers, it’s certainly a possibility.