An undercover campaign to see how UK properties perform in the age verification process for their betting products, found that betting stores were top performers in this category. Serve Legal conducted spot checks on betting stores, gas stations, convenience stores and other locations offering betting machines.
It found that more than 90% of betting stores conducted the age verification procedures according to the book. These procedures were put in place by the UK gambling authorities to protect minors and other vulnerable people.
Results from the research showed the proportion of those who passed the test:
- 90% of tested betting stores
- 83% of convenience stores
- 77% of supermarkets
- 76% of petrol stations
This is a significant improvement from tests conducted in the past by Serve Legal, where only 67% of betting stores passed the test.
According to the chief executive of the UK Betting and Gaming Council, Michael Dugher, this is a clear indication of the progress which the gambling industry has made when it comes to responsible gambling in recent years.
“Regulated BGC members have a zero-tolerance approach to under-18s betting,” he said, adding that staff at betting stores are vigilant when it comes to protecting young people. He also said that the responsible betting trend was also mirrored at online gambling sites, where age verification checks are carried out religiously.