The National Lottery's minimum age rises from 16 to 18, April 2021

From its launch in 1994, 16 and 17 year olds could legally buy National Lottery tickets and scratchcards. On 8 December 2020, alongside a review of the Gambling Act 2005, the government said the minimum age for every National Lottery product would rise to 18.

Ministers said the aim was to protect young people from gambling harm, noting that play had moved towards online games and instant-win products since the lottery began. The minister responsible called the lottery low-risk, but said the change would stop it becoming a route into problem gambling.

The law was due to change in October 2021, but the operator, then Camelot, brought the new age in early, in shops and online alike, on 22 April 2021. The legislation, the National Lottery (Revocation and Amendment) Regulations 2021, took effect on 1 October 2021.

The age also applies to selling tickets, which mattered to shops that employ 16 and 17 year olds. After a consultation in summer 2021 the government created an exception: since 1 October 2021, 16 and 17 year olds can still sell tickets if an adult has authorised them or approves the sale, much as with alcohol.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Government launches review to ensure gambling laws are fit for digital age (8 December 2020) (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK: Consultation on an approved sale mechanism for National Lottery sales by 16 and 17 year olds (2021) (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK: Government response on the approved sale mechanism (9 September 2021) (gov.uk)
• legislation.gov.uk: The National Lottery (Revocation and Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1009) (legislation.gov.uk)