UK Players Must Be Over 18 To Play EuroMillions From 22nd April

It has always previously been possible to take part in EuroMillions, and all other UK National Lottery games, if you are 16 or 17. However, the legal minimum age will now be raised by two years following a government decision that was made last year.

The rule change applies to both online sales and tickets purchased from retailers. From 22nd April onwards, you will no longer be able to buy an entry in the UK if you are under the age of 18.

If you are under 18 and win a prize in a draw that takes place before 22nd April, you will still be eligible to claim it as long as you come forward before the 180-day deadline.

Why the Minimum Age is Changing

The change comes following a UK government review of existing gambling laws. The minimum age to gamble in the UK is 18 - playing National Lottery games at a younger age had been the exception.

The review wanted to make sure that young players are protected, and has been introduced now after the issue of problem gambling was highlighted even more during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new rules for the National Lottery will now match up with all other aspects of gambling in the UK. You are already required to be at least 18 years of age in order to bet on the outcome of EuroMillions draws through online betting websites such as Jackpot.com or concierge services where tickets are purchased on your behalf.

Lottery Age Rules Across Europe

The minimum age to play EuroMillions is 18 in every other country where tickets for the game are sold - Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg.

The rules for each country are set by the respective national lottery operators, in accordance with their own government’s rules. The restrictions are not changing in any of the other countries apart from the UK.

Under the new rules, the youngest winners anywhere in Europe from 22nd April will be 18. The UK has previously seen a number of big winners who were even younger.

Like everyone else, 16 and 17-year-old winners had the option to stay anonymous or go public, and some players decided to share their stores with the world. One EuroMillions player to hit the headlines was Jane Park, who landed £1 million as a 17-year-old in 2013 with the first ticket she ever bought. If the minimum age to play had been 18 at the time, she would not have been able to play and could not have won when she did.