Allwyn, the operator of the UK's National Lottery, has launched an initiative to improve gambling safety called Operation Guardian. This initiative will see mystery shoppers sent to shops where lottery tickets are sold to check whether the rules are being followed. The mystery shopping scheme involves three different types of visits to lottery retail outlets to ensure vulnerable customers are prevented from buying tickets and retailers provide a safe playing environment for players.
The National Lottery operator has issued guidance to train retailers on how to use lottery concessions responsibly through a scheme called Healthy Play. It covers several areas where retailers must be vigilant in enforcing regulations to create a safe environment for gamers. These include prominently displaying the "18+" sign and checking passports to ensure that the player purchasing the lottery ticket is over 25 years of age.
