Under 18s Banned From Lotto In New Regulations

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The minimum legal age for playing the National Lottery and scratchcards is rising to 18 from October 2021, as a significant review kicks off into gambling laws to protect children and vulnerable people headed by culture secretary Oliver Dowden.

The new regulations will also see the sale of online lotto tickets banned to 16 and 17 year-olds in April 2021.

The minister for sport, tourism, and heritage, Nigel Huddleston, hopes it will ensure the lottery does not become a gateway to problem gambling.

The current rules were established in 2005, and it's widely accepted by most industry-leading companies that the law needed to be updated to be suitable for the digital age.

CompareTheLotto.com Welcomes The New Changes

CompareTheLotto.com strongly believes that under 18s should be excluded from all forms of gambling. We look forward to any further sensible and evidence-based legislation that protects players and promotes responsible gambling.

Playing or betting on the lotto is a fun and leisurely activity and nothing more. The majority of lotto ticket-buyers play sensibly, within their means, and do it for light entertainment.

As Mr Huddleston alludes to in his statement, it is imperative to strike a symmetry between player-freedom and safeguarding those most at risk from developing gambling issues.

How To Stay In Control When You Gamble

All online platforms that offer lotto betting are required, by law, to offer you account controls, which can restrict how much you spend. These include deposit limits, loss limits, and take-a-break functions - each of which can be adjusted to suit your responsible gaming needs.

Even if you may not need them, it helps set limits to track your spending and keep it at levels you feel comfortable with.

For free and impartial advice, you can visit gamcare.org.uk - contact professionals via phone, a live chat service, and forums to talk through any issues you are having or those close to you.