National Lottery to increase its age limit

The minimum age to play the National Lottery is to rise from 16 to 18 next year.

Theannouncementcame as the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden launched a major review of gambling laws in a bid to protect children and vulnerable people.

The new age restriction w i l l c o m e i nto e f fe c t from October 2021 and online sales to 16 and 17-year-olds are due to stop in April, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Nigel Huddleston, minister for sport, tourism and heritage, said the age change would help ensure that the lottery is not a "gateway to problem gambling".

Mr Dowden said the gambling industry had evolved "at breakneck speed" in the last 15 years and that the review aims to "help those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely". Protective measures such as stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed will all be looked at, say the DCMS.

The review will also consider online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission.

It will consider evidence on the action customers can ta ke wh e re th ey feel operators have breached social responsibility requirements, as well as how to ensure children and young people are kept safe from gambling-related harm.

Mr Dowden, said: "Whilst millions gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act is an analogue law in a digital age.

"This comprehensive review will ensure we are tackling problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people.”