In an undercover investigation, the UK Gambling Commission found that 98 out
of 100 betting shops examined allowed under-18 year olds to place a bet
at their establishments.
A 17 year old was sent to try and place a wager at a number of random betting
shops across the country, and in only two cases was he turned away for being
underage.
Andrew Lyman, speaking for the Association of British Bookmakers said that
the findings were "embarrassing."
"We have to take these findings on the chin and admit that for some reason
that culture has not been embedded in the industry in the way it should have
been," said Lyman after seeing the results of the Gambling Commission's
investigation.
Critics have demanded that the Gambling Commission take action against the
betting shops so as to avoid underage children and vulnerable people from
entering the world of gambling.
The Commission said that it has written to all the bookmakers involved, and
reminded them that their first priority and responsibility is to ensure that
young people do not place bets at their shops.
However, opponents believe that the action is not enough and that the
Gambling Commission should use its power to revoke betting shop licenses of all
those who allowed under age people to bet.
In response, the Commission said: "Through these sorts of exercises, we are
testing the operators to see if the procedures they have in place are working.
We expect to see significant improvements."
