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<p>The decision by the operator to withdraw all £10 Interactive Instant Win Games
in 2020, followed research, commissioned by the Gambling Commission, which found a
correlation between players of Interactive Instant Win Games at the £10 price point
and some problem gambling behaviours. The research did not show causation. The precautionary
actions taken in this respect are indicative of the strong player protection policies
in place on the National Lottery.</p><p>'Instants games’ have been part of the National
Lottery portfolio for a majority of the time since the National Lottery was launched
in 1994. Scratchcards were introduced in 1995 and online Interactive Instant Win Games
in 2003. A broad portfolio ensures the National Lottery continues to appeal to a wide
range of people and can provide substantial contributions for good causes every week.
This has helped the National Lottery contribute over £1.2 billion to the UK wide response
to the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p>All games, including instants games, are licenced
by the independent regulator, the Gambling Commission. In determining whether to licence
games, the Commission will consider the potential impact on players and the player
protection mechanisms which are in place to protect players from harm.</p><p>Evidence
from the latest (2018) <a href="https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018/health-survey-for-england-2018-supplementary-analysis-on-gambling"
target="_blank">Health Survey</a> for England shows that National Lottery games were
associated with the lowest rates of problem gambling of all gambling products considered.
Problem gambling rates for National Lottery draw-based games were 0.9% while the figure
for Scratchcards was 1.4%.</p>
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