Coroner urges Gamstop expansion to cover National Lottery draws
A prevention of future deaths report following a gambling-related suicide has prompted a coroner to recommend that National Lottery draw-based games be included in the national self-exclusion scheme.
- A UK coroner has formally recommended to the Gambling Commission that National Lottery draw games be added to the Gamstop scheme.
- The recommendation was made in a prevention of future deaths report concerning the suicide of Steve Goff, who bought a lottery ticket shortly before his death.
- The Gambling Commission, in collaboration with operator Allwyn, is now reviewing the feasibility and potential of extending the scheme.
A UK coroner has issued a formal recommendation to the Gambling Commission suggesting that National Lottery draw-based games should be incorporated into the Gamstop national self-exclusion programme. The proposal was made by Emma Whitting, Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton, within a prevention of future deaths report.
The report followed an inquest into the death of Steve Goff. The coroner noted that Mr Goff, who was facing homelessness and had made two previous attempts to take his own life, used some of his last remaining funds to purchase a National Lottery draw ticket before his death. The inquest heard he had gambled with both licensed operators and unlicensed offshore websites, the latter of which are not covered by Gamstop.
Currently, participation in the Gamstop scheme is a licence condition for all online casino and sports betting operators in Great Britain. While the scheme covers the National Lottery’s online instant win games, its draw-based products have an exemption. Consumers are, however, able to self-exclude from all online National Lottery games directly via the operator.
In response to the coroner's report, the Gambling Commission has confirmed it is engaging with both National Lottery operator Allwyn UK and Gamstop to assess what further consumer protection measures could be implemented. Allwyn, which took over the lottery licence from Camelot in February 2024, stated it is working closely with the regulator as it considers potential changes to Gamstop's scope. The final decision on whether to extend the scheme rests with the Commission.
Enhanced Protections and Risk Profile
Allwyn confirmed it has invested significant time and resources into player monitoring since beginning its tenure. The operator said it has improved player protections, including the introduction of monitoring for draw-based games. Other safeguarding measures in place include mandatory deposit and spend limits, daily play caps, and direct self-exclusion options.
Despite the circumstances of the case, National Lottery draw games are routinely classified as a low-risk product by the Gambling Commission, a view consistently supported by government research. Products such as online slots are considered to carry a much higher risk. A 2023 report from Public Health England and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) explicitly stated that the National Lottery was the product least likely to be used by individuals exhibiting harmful gambling behaviours.
The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) shows the National Lottery is the most popular gambling activity in the country, with 31% of the adult population participating.
The National Lottery’s status as a national institution brings with it the need to live up to higher standards and the reality of greater scrutiny. The risk of harm can never be fully removed.
The Gambling Commission confirmed it will work with Allwyn and Gamstop in the coming months to explore potential changes, including the possibility of extending Gamstop's scope in some form.
