Bookmakers & Betting Shops Age Check Services
A bookmaker or bookie has a long history dating back to 1790 in the UK and is one of the oldest regulated businesses. Bookmakers have only had a high street presence since the 1960’s which saw the start of gambling being opened up to a much wider market. Physical bookmakers, and all forms of gambling is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. Practically all types of gambling are permitted for people aged 18 and over and some forms of gambling such as fruit machines and the National Lottery are permitted for those over 16.
Bookmakers & underage gambling
For physical bookmakers, the Gambling Act of 2005 goes further than not allowing under 18’s to gamble – they are not allowed to even enter the shop. Whereas for pubs and bingo halls, this is not the case, a minor can enter the premises as long as they don’t buy or attempt to buy alcohol. If bookmaker staff suspect that someone is under the age of eighteen, then they should ask them to leave the premises. High street bookies that are found to allow children to place bets in their premises will be issued with a fine. If it happens repeatedly it’s entirely possible that they will lose their licence, having been in breach of its conditions on multiple occasions.
Racecourse bookmakers fell foul of the law in 2020 when a 16 year old was permitted to place a five pound bet at Royal Ascot. They were told they had to pay 2.5% of their gross net win for a full year which amounted to tens of thousands of pounds.
Age restriction testing Challenge 21 and Challenge 25
Ensuring your Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 age restriction checks are properly supported is key to avoiding fines, negative press and meeting your environmental, social, and corporate governance framework. Since 2013, we have had over 1,000 nationally located age restriction testing auditors aged between 18 and 21 at any one time. Each auditor has:
- Passed our two stage recruitment process
- Has a verified age
- Fully briefed on each test purchasing assignment
- Supported 18 hours a day, 7 days per week by our operations team
Centrebound can help ensure your staff are carrying out age checks and asking for valid ID in accordance with your age check process by completing age restriction testing. Auditors can visit your premises, be it high street or racecourse located all over the UK and any day of the week. Feedback reports can be provided on a daily basis or weekly basis to ensure staff are given the appropriate training and support as quickly as possible.
If you would like a no obligation quote or to find out more about Centrebound’s national Challenge 25 auditing services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.