More retailers are correctly carrying out ID checks when selling National Lottery products, according to Camelot which found 89% were compliant last year, up 3% compared to 2015.
A total of 11,600 mystery shops at convenience stores were conducted last year by Camelot as part of its long-term commitment to preventing underage and excessive play of The National Lottery.
The National Lottery provider is preparing to kick off its mystery shopping visits for 2017 and has sent out a leaflet and terminal sticker to all National Lottery retailers with advice on acceptable forms of ID and what to do if a customer appears to be underage or playing too much.
James Pearson, Camelot’s head of retail, said: “To play any National Lottery game, you must be 16 or older. Obviously many retailers already have their own underage policies in place, such as Challenge 21 or 25, but we’re doing all we can to provide support and guidance for National Lottery products specifically. So, while ensuring people under 16 aren’t playing our games is vital, it’s also important that retailers look out for people who might be playing too much.”
Camelot’s mystery shopping programme has been in place for over a decade and uses young people who are over 16, but who look younger.
If a retailer fails a mystery shopping visit on three occasions, their National Lottery terminal will be suspended and is likely to be removed. If a retailer is worried that a customer is playing too much, details of GamCare support for gambling addiction can be found on the back of all National Lottery tickets and Scratchcards.
