UK reduces National Lottery minimum age in problem gambling crackdown

The UK government banned under-18s from being able to buy National Lottery tickets or scratch cards from October 1^st, in a bid to stop children getting hooked on harder forms of gambling. Those aged under 18 have been barred from online gambling since April, but those aged 16 or over have still been able to buy lottery tickets or scratch cards sold by the National Lottery in physical stores. This latest move follows the launch of a major review of gambling laws to protect children and vulnerable people from addiction. Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, said the new restrictions will “help ensure that lottery is not a ‘gateway to problem gambling,’ especially with the growth in online gaming.”