Lottery Ban in the UK – Changes coming in April

Problem gambling in the United Kingdom triggered new measures concerning the National Lottery. The stricter rules are coming into force this month. And they will have an impact on over 200,000 players in the country. But what does exactly this lottery ban in the UK mean?

It is no question: the lottery is one of the most popular gambling forms – if it is not the most popular! Many people love to engage with it at land-based possibilities and on online lottery sites in the UK, such as EuroLotto. And why? Because it is easy to do, it requires no basic knowledge or any routine. It is also easy to access, since lottery tickets are sold in various places, even in Aldi stores! On the other hand, it brings a possibility of amazing wins. These might be the reasons why many endangered players use this form of gambling. And this is why the UK needed to take action on the lottery ban.

Lottery laws in the UK

The Gambling Commission is clear about the legal boundaries of lottery gambling. ”Lotteries are illegal unless they fall into one of the categories specifically permitted by law. Apart from the National Lottery (which has its own dedicated legislation), the relevant law is contained in the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act). The Act creates eight categories of permitted lottery. Three of these categories (small and large society lotteries and local authority lotteries) require either a license from the Gambling Commission (the Commission) or registration with a licensing authority. Advice on these can be found in a separate document called Promoting society and local authority lotteries.” And who can take part it in? As for now, any resident above the age of 16. But according to the new lottery ban in the UK, it might not be the case soon, as they plan to raise the age limit.

See more at the online lotto directory in the UK!

Why they need a lottery ban in the UK?

Studies show that problem gambling in the UK is still on the table. Online gambling news sites in the UK even draw attention to the case. Figures point out that more than 200,000 residents between the ages of 16 and 17 regularly play the lottery. (They also buy scratchcards.) And why is it a problem? According to reports from the House of Lords many 55,000 people with gambling problems start to play the lotto when they are under 18. One of the campaigners for Clean Up Gambling, Matt Zarb-Cousin said: “The younger you start gambling the more likely you are to fall into addiction. All gambling should be restricted to 18 and over.”

Dr. Steve Sharman of East London University School of Psychology agrees. “Our research showed a robust link between legal youth gambling and adult gambling problems.” Even actors from the other side say that it is time to take action. “For 25 years the age has been 16 so it is probably a good time to look at it.” – says Lottery operator Camelot boss Nigel Railton.

The new lottery Ban in the UK

So, what will the planned ruling bring to the United Kingdom? As MP Tracey Crouch has been trying to raise the age limit on playing the lottery. The Chief Medical Officer for Wales called Dr. Frank Atherton also supports the initiative. And so does the European Lotto Betting Association and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The changes are coming to force on April 22 making over 200,000 players banned from the lottery. It is already official, as a National Lottery spokesman stated. “From 22 April 2021, players must be 18 or over to play National Lottery games online, in-store, and on the app.” It means that the rules will apply to the online lottery in the UK as well, so it will affect sites like EuroLotto too.

You can discover more about EuroLotto here.