Lottery operator Allwyn has launched Operation Guardian – an expanded mystery shopper and knowledge check programme.
Operation Guardian comprises three different types of store visits: an Underage Play Mystery Shop, an Excessive Play Mystery Shop, and a new Healthy Play Knowledge Check.
Together, the visits are designed to help support retailers by checking they have the right knowledge, tools and safeguards in place to prevent underage play and minimise excessive play. The first Operation Guardian visits begin next week.
With the inclusion of the brand-new Healthy Play Knowledge Check, Operation Guardian can support stores that may require any improvements to their knowledge about responsible retailing topics related to The National Lottery. This includes areas such as the legal age to play of 18; acceptable forms of ID; how and when to refuse a sale; identifying any potential signs of excessive play; offering support to players; and understanding spend limits.
The visits also provide an opportunity to guide retailers to where they can find further information and training tools, such as the new Retailer Training Centre, which has all the responsible retailing information required for store owners and their staff.
Allwyn’s Director of Channel Operations, Alex Green, said: “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.”
If retailers have any questions about Operation Guardian, they can ask their sales representative during their next visit.
- Regular training: Ensure staff are kept up to date with responsible retailing information. Has your store completed the Healthy Play training modules on the Retailer Training Centre yet? If not and your store is eligible, visit tnlpartnerstraining.co.uk today.
- Detailed records: Refused sales must be recorded using your Refusals Register inside your Retailer Organiser folder.
- Accessible signage: 18+ signage must be visible to players at all times and retailers are encouraged to use Challenge/Think 25 when asking for ID.
