Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the next operator of the National Lottery will be permitted to offer online instant win games.
The Fourth National Lottery Licence is due to come into operation in February 2024. Online Instant Win Games will remain permitted under the Fourth Licence subject to the Gambling Commission receiving and approving one or more applications for Section 6 Game Licences pertaining to Online Instant Win Games.
Under the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993, the Commission may only grant such approval where this is consistent with its statutory duties, including with respect to participant protection and due propriety. Section 6 Game Licences will also only be granted to games that comply with the legal and regulatory framework, including National Lottery directions and regulations.
Where the Licensee fails to meet its obligations related to a game licensed under a Section 6 Licence, the Commission may suspend the game licence.