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The age limit for playing National Lottery games could be increased to 18, the Government has said.

Ministers are considering proposals on whether to increase the age limit for playing scratchcards and online instant win games from 16.

Culture minister Mims Davies said she was launching a consultation on whether the existing age limit of 16 for all National Lottery games should be raised for some or all games and products.

She told the House of Commons a "split could be the best approach", which would involve raising the age limit for instant win games while draw-based games, such as Lotto, remain at 16.

Ms Davies said: "The age of 18 is widely recognised as an age one becomes an adult, gaining full citizenship rights and the responsibilities.

"At present, all lotteries can be played from 16 - one of the very few age limits for gambling under-18 products.

"So in addition to the option to raise the minimum age to 18 for all National Lottery games and retaining the current limit of 16, I'm also seeking views on a differentiated approach that would increase the minimum age of instant win games only - this includes scratchcards and online instant win games.

"My initial view is based on the evidence reviewed so far, so it is that such a split could be the best approach.

"This takes into account the risk of harm associated with playing the National Lottery is at the lowest of any form of gambling, but we do know the risk of harm is slightly higher for instant win games than it is for draw-based games such as Lotto.

"Therefore I am keen to seek further evidence in this area and hear what others think given that the National Lottery matters so much to so many people, including hearing from the operators, distributors and retailers about any potential impacts and benefits of the change."