Allwyn Launches Operation Guardian for Safer Gambling

Allwyn, the United Kingdom National Lottery operator, has launched a safer gambling initiative called Operation Guardian, where mystery shoppers are sent to lottery retail outlets to check the shops adhere to guidelines when selling lottery tickets.

Allwyn launches Operation Guardian a mystery shopper initiative.

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The mystery shopper scheme comprises three different types of visit to lottery retail outlets to ensure that vulnerable customers are prevented from purchasing tickets and the retailers provide a safe gaming environment for players

The National Lottery operator has issued guidelines to train retailers on how to operate the lottery concession responsibly, with a scheme called Healthy Play. The scheme covers several areas it wants retailers to follow to create a safe environment for players.

This includes ensuring retailers display the 18+ signage in a prominent position so that lottery players can see the message. Allwyn also encourages retailers to use the Challenge/Think 25 principle when assessing whether players are old enough to play the lottery and ask players for ID to verify this.

Retailers who sell national lottery tickets must keep detailed records of instances when they refuse to sell lottery tickets to individuals, and this is recorded in the register.

The national lottery operator has started running the license this year and has stated it intends to make changes, with Allwyn recently updating its lottery terminals.

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Operation Guardian Comprises Different Types of Store Visits

One of the store visits from Allwyn representatives is called the Underage Play Mystery Shop, where a youthful-looking customer will attempt to purchase a lottery ticket. This is designed to test the training and procedures in place to make sure lottery retailers act responsibly.

Allwyn has added a new mystery shopper type called the Healthy Play Knowledge Check. Retailers have been given guidance to identify players who show signs of excessive play and to give them support if needed.

With the addition of a new Healthy Play Knowledge Check, we’ll be able to offer greater support to our retail partners and empower them to be all-round responsible retailers. The expanded programme dovetails nicely with the new Retailer Training Centre that we launched earlier in the year, which features all the necessary training and information for retailers to view and complete so that they are fully prepared for Operation Guardian visits.

Alex GreenDirector of Channel Operations at Allwyn

RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling

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