188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which safety factors are built into the National Lottery to discourage addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44699/22]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform: The Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery has confirmed:

There are numerous safety factors built into the National Lottery to discourage addiction.

1. The National Lottery gaming system only sells tickets between the hours of 7am to 11pm.

2. The types of games that the National Lottery may sell are strictly limited.

3. Every new game or change to an existing game must be pre-approved by the Regulator.

4. Each new game or change to an existing game is considered by the Regulator with regard to the risk of addiction or problem-play.

5. Retailers and the operator’s customer service staff are trained in the warning signs of addiction and problem-play.

6. Rules to ensure that the advertising and promotion of the National Lottery is appropriate for the nature of the product are in place and enforced by the Regulator.

7. Direct marketing and upselling are prohibited except where a player has opted in to receiving marketing messages or the Regulator approves of a direct marketing campaign (which has not been the case to date).

8. The National Lottery websites and tickets provide links to information on problem gambling and relevant resources.

In retail specifically:

9. Mystery shop exercises are regularly conducted to ensure that retailers are complying with the requirement not to sell a ticket to a person under 18 years of age and the Think 21 requirement to ask for proof of age. (Minors are at greater risk of developing addiction.)

10. There is a limit on the number of scratch cards a player can purchase in a transaction.

Online specifically:

11. There are limits on the amount of money a player can spend online on any day, week or month.

12. Prizes over €100 are sent directly to the player and not paid into their online wallet, to discourage players from reinvesting winnings.

13. To open an online account and purchase a National Lottery ticket you must supply a photo of an identity document that proves you are at least 18 years old.

14. The online channel offers a self-exclusion facility to those who require assistance with limiting their National Lottery play.

15. Credit cards are no longer accepted for online play.