Underage gambling test purchasing - update
2014
The Gambling Commission has released results from further test purchasing undertaken over the summer period in relation to under age gambling.
The latest test purchasing was undertaken in a mix of adult gaming centres (AGC), betting shops, bingo premises and family entertainment centres (FEC), "across a number of local authority areas in England during the Easter and Summer periods of 2014".
The Commission reports that in 20 of 40 tests in AGC and betting shops a "supervised test purchaser under 18 years old was allowed to play on a gaming machine and allowed to leave the premises without being challenged as to their age".
In addition "A number of tests were also conducted at Licensed family entertainment centres and at bingo premises that had been converted from arcades,with similar weaknesses found".
We understand these latter tests (FEC and Bingo premises) were made to seek access to the age restricted gaming area and play a Category C machine.
Where there was a failure we understand that a warning was issued by the relevant local authority that failure to improve could result in regulatory action being taken.
The Commission states as follows;
"These latest test purchase results provide further evidence that controls need to be strengthened in the key areas covered in the consultation , such as line of sight , premises layout, and staff training.The consultation launched on 7th August and will close on 31st October."
The consultation can be viewed here: 'Proposed amendments to the social responsibility provisions in the licence conditions and codes of practice'.
The full article issues by the Commission can be viewed here: 'Weaknesses persist in underage gambling controls'