Content supplied by Camelot:
Last year, the government carried out a major and wide-ranging 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.
In order to ensure all National Lottery retail outlets are fully prepared ahead of the legislation change in October and to give retailers all the details, help and support required to implement such a change, Camelot is changing the Rules to play National Lottery games from 16+ to 18+ on Thursday 22 April 2021.
How will this change affect National Lottery retailers?
Our latest episode of ‘The Local Shop Podcast’ features an interview with Camelot’s Head of Retail Operations Julie Brian regarding the age to play change and what this means for retailers. Click here to listen.
In addition, below is a breakdown of the key areas retailers and their staff need to be aware of in preparation for the rule change on 22 April 2021.
Point of Sale and updated compliance documents
On 1 March, National Lottery retailers will have been sent a POS package to clearly communicate the age change to customers in retail. Within the POS package, retailers will also have been provided with updates to the Rule booklets, updated contents to be kept in the Retailer Organiser, a new Players’ Guide and an amendment to their Retailer Agreement.
Selling National Lottery draw-based game tickets and Scratchcards
From 22 April 2021, 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.
Paying out prizes
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.
National Lottery FastPay cards
From 22 April 2021, the National Lottery terminal will prompt retailers to create a new National Lottery FastPay card for the customer and to destroy the old one due to the age change.
Play slips and till roll
Retailers should continue to make current 16+ play slips available in their Playstation and use 16+ till roll. Once they are running low, they can order new play slips and till roll as usual via the National Lottery terminal. Any new play slip and till roll orders sent out after 22 April 2021 will include the new 18+ details. From 1 September 2021, play slips with 16+ on will no longer work, so retailers have plenty of time to use up current stock and move from 16+ to 18+ stock by the deadline.
How will retailers be supported?
Between 1 March and 21 April 2021, all National Lottery retailers will be visited by a Camelot representative to ensure their store/s is/are ready for the age change. An information booklet will be provided to each store which includes a checklist, breakdown of key dates and a training log so that store staff can be trained before the change takes place on 22 April 2021.
As always, retailers will receive communications both in the post and via email prior to 22 April 2021 to give timely reminders and relevant information about the Rule change. Retailers can also access more details and FAQs on The Retailer Hub, along with the opportunity to earn rewards both for Site, Stock, Sell Online as well as additional Bonus Event rewards for ensuring the 18+ POS is on display.
Visit: www.TNLRetailerHub.co.uk to find out more!
