Betting shops improve age checks in UK

UK betting shops have better age checks than convenience stores, supermarkets and gas stations, according to data released by independent Serve Legal analysts. In an official statement, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) celebrated the results announced by analysts.

Serve Legal performed spot analyzes to test whether or not customers are required to prove they are 18 years old or older at any point during the visit, with the store receiving a positive rating if a player is prompted to prove their age.

90% of betting shops are complying with legal requirements

So far, 90% of betting shops were approved in 2021, compared to 83% of convenience stores, 77% of supermarkets and 76% of gas stations.

Furthermore, when the tests were first introduced, a total of 67% of bookmakers passed, “a sign of the enormous progress they have made in recent years,” says a statement from the BGC.

“The regulated members of the BGC have a zero tolerance approach to under-18s betting and I am delighted to see that the age verification systems in place in bookmakers are robust,” said the BGC Chief Executive , Michael Dugher.

Dugher further stated that “age verification standards have improved since they were first introduced and, once again, gambling stores are leading the retail industry in terms of compliance.”

The president of the Betting and Gaming Council concluded: “I want to pay tribute to the people at the betting shop who, like other retailers, faced a very challenging year with numerous closures, restrictions and orientations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these pressures, they remained absolutely focused on ensuring the safety of customers and the protection of young people.”