1 June 2004 For Immediate Release

Instant Kiwi Age Restriction Moves From 16 To 18 Years For Buyers & Sellers

From 1 July 2004 the age restriction on buying Instant Kiwi tickets moves from 16 to 18 years and liability now falls on buyers and sellers if the law is not observed, New Zealand Lotteries Commission Chief Executive Mr Trevor Hall announced today.

"The changes are the result of provisions in the new Gambling Act 2003 and our aim is to ensure that by 1 July 2004 our customers, and retailers, are aware of the changes and ready to bring them into play," he says.

"NZLC will conduct an in-store customer awareness campaign and training for all retail staff to ensure that the new law is enforced."

Mr Hall says players should not be surprised if they are asked for proof of age by retailers and should co-operate with any request. Under the previous legislation, only sellers were liable for prosecution if found selling an Instant Kiwi ticket to an under 16 year old. The liability now falls on both seller and buyer.

"We have had good systems in place to ensure tickets haven't been sold to under 16s and these will now be extended to target those under 18 from buying.

"This will include asking for proof of age from anyone who looks as if they may be 25 years or under. Customers will need to be able to show some form of ID - such as a drivers licence - as proof of age before they will be able to buy an Instant Kiwi ticket."

The changes coming into force on 1 July are:

* No one under 18 years old can buy an Instant Kiwi ticket

* No one can buy an Instant Kiwi ticket on behalf of an under 18 year old or for someone on behalf of an under 18 year old

* No one can sell an Instant Kiwi ticket to anyone under 18 years old, or to someone purchasing on behalf of an under 18 year old

* No one can provide money to an under 18 year old for the purpose of buying an Instant Kiwi ticket

* No one can pay out an Instant Kiwi prize to anyone they suspect, or know, is under 18 years old

"New Zealand Lotteries retail network is New Zealand's largest, employing over 3,600 people in 639 retail outlets. NZLC is committed to responsible play practices and has been operating lotteries responsibly and with integrity since 1987, and we'll be ensuring this continues through this change process," said Mr Hall.

Ends

© Scoop Media