UK Lottery Products Under Scrutiny
A new report by GambleAware reveals that National Lottery products, particularly scratchcards and instant-win games, are associated with higher levels of gambling harm than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the perception of the lottery as a low-risk form of gambling and call attention to gaps in consumer protection.
Lottery Products Not Free from Risk
The research highlights that while participation in the National Lottery draw is often seen as relatively harmless, it still carries risks. Approximately 600,000 adults who engage in the draw meet the criteria for problem gambling (PGSI 8+). More concerning are scratchcards and online instant-win games, where the rates of problem gambling reach 7.7% and 8.2% respectively.
The National Lottery reaches more people than any other gambling product in Great Britain. In the past four weeks alone, 31% of adults played the main draw, 12% purchased scratchcards, and 5% engaged with instant-win games. Because of this scale, even lower relative risks translate into substantial absolute numbers of people experiencing harm.
Vulnerable Audiences and Marketing Concerns
The report points to growing risks among children and young people. One in fourteen children aged 11 to 17 reported playing National Lottery games in the past year. Lottery adverts are also the most recalled gambling promotions among this age group. New marketing practices—such as scratchcards that double as gift tags or feature scents and music—may further increase appeal among younger audiences.
Unlike other gambling operators, the National Lottery is not covered by GamStop, the UK’s national self-exclusion system. This means that individuals in recovery can still access lottery games, potentially leading to relapse. Additionally, features such as syndicate options online can raise spending limits, which may undermine personal safeguards.
Misleading Messaging and Lack of Health Warnings
The study found that many people experiencing gambling harm do not perceive the National Lottery as gambling at all. Among those with the highest PGSI scores, 47% considered lottery products “harmless.” The absence of consistent safer gambling messages and support signposting may be contributing to this perception.
Moreover, the research identifies language on official platforms that may stigmatize individuals struggling with gambling. Phrases like “gaming is fun but for a few it may be a problem” are criticized for downplaying harm and mislabeling gambling as “gaming.”
Call for Consistency and Prevention
GambleAware argues that National Lottery products should be subject to the same consumer protection standards as other gambling activities. These include visible health warnings, mandatory signposting to support services such as GambleAware, and inclusion in statutory funding mechanisms for harm prevention and treatment.
While the operator Allwyn has committed to making the National Lottery “the safest place to play,” researchers emphasize that additional safeguards are needed to reduce gambling-related harm across all demographics.