From today, Camelot have changed the rules of National Lottery games so that only customers who are 18 or above will be able to play.
Last year, the government carried out a review of gambling laws to ensure they were, and remain, fit for the digital age. As part of this, it was announced that, in October 2021, the minimum age to play The National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18.
To ensure all National Lottery retail outlets are fully prepared ahead of the legislation change in October, Camelot has changed the Rules to play National Lottery games from 16+ to 18+ on Thursday 22 April 2021.
From today, players must be 18+ to purchase any National Lottery products in store, online and on the app. All staff must be aware of this and check ID to ensure any players who look younger are of the correct age.
Players aged 16 or 17 can continue to claim a prize on a valid National Lottery ticket purchased before 22 April 2021, during the relevant claim period, including the free Lotto Lucky Dip® prize. The usual age verification checks must be carried out and the prize can be paid as normal. If it is unclear when the ticket was purchased, the player can be referred to The National Lottery Line. All players must be 18+ to claim a prize on tickets purchased on or after 22 April 2021.
Between April and October, colleagues aged 16 and 17 can continue to sell National Lottery products. The Government is currently looking at the upcoming regulations and considering responses to a recent consultation on this issue. ACS’ submission to the Government recommends that colleagues aged 16 and 17 should still be able to sell National Lottery products after the October regulation change.
On the Local Shop Podcast, we spoke in-depth to Camelot’s Head of Retail Operations Julie Brian on the age to play changes and what they mean for retailers. Click here to listen.
