A crackdown on underage gambling in Milton Keynes, UK, has found that many locations are failing to prevent young people from gaming.

The local council’s regulatory unit, in partnership with the gambling authorities and 16-year-old volunteers, visited 10 premises – including betting shops and arcades. Half were found to have been failing in their duty to bar young people from gambling. Of these, three premises allowed the volunteers to place bets, while two others allowed the underage teens to enter and remain inside the premises without being challenged about their age.

“This was a disappointing result for the businesses involved but they have all made a commitment to improve staff training and to implement measures such as self testing and the sharing of good practice,” said Karen Ford, head of the council’s regulatory unit. “We will continue to monitor these and others to ensure the safety of children and young persons in Milton Keynes.”

Jim Reynolds, compliance manager at the Gambling Commission, said: “We were very pleased to provide support and expertise to our partners at Milton Keynes Council. Licensed gambling operators must have effective policies and procedures in place to prevent underage gambling.”

Ahead of the opening of the new Aspers Casino in Milton Keynes later this year, council offers have begun rolling out a programme of test purchases on gaming premises. The purpose of this, the council said, is to examine the operation of controls in place to prevent underage gambling and therefore improve the protection given to young people in the town.

by Simon Liddle