Lottery rule changes: Teenagers banned from Lotto and scratchcards to halt gambling

Younger teens have been banned from buying scratchcards or playing the National Lottery, in a bid to protect them from gambling addiction as they get older.

The ban came into force at the beginning of the month, and bars under-18s from buying Lottery tickets or scratchcards over the counter in stores.

This applies to Lotto, Set For Life and EuroMillions tickets sold by the National Lottery.

People aged under 18 have been barred from online gambling since April, but 16 and 17 year olds have still been able to go into shops to buy tickets or scratchcards.

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.

A cross-party group of MPs has been campaigning to prevent vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds getting into gambling.

Lottery operator Camelot has not opposed the change.

Last week it was reported the government is set to announce a ban on football clubs being able to have gambling companies as their main shirt sponsors.

The expected change is planned to be implemented from 2023 once it has been discussed in Parliament.