The British Government is reviewing its gambling policy and intends to make major changes. One of the first things it is tackling is raising the minimum age for entering the national lottery. Next year the age limit will go from 16 to 18. One of the accusations made against the Gambling Commission is that it does not appreciate the dangers of gambling addiction.
The current laws and regulations were introduced in 2005 but, according to the government, they are no longer adequate. “It was an analogous law in a digital age” according to Secretary of Culture Oliver Dowden, as reported by the BBC.
According to Dowden, the aim of the policy review investigation is to combat gambling addiction and to protect children and vulnerable people.
Raise minimum age lottery
The first step the British Government is taking is to raise the age of entry into the lottery from 16 to 18. With the increase, the government wants to ensure that the lottery does not become the first stepping stone for young people towards problematic gambling behaviour. From April next year, young people under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed to play the lottery online. From October 2021, the minimum age will also be 18 offline.
The way of advertising is also being scrutinised by the British government. It is considering, among other things, banning the sponsorship of football clubs by gambling companies.
