Allwyn is to conduct more than 16,000 mystery-shopper visits throughout 2025 as part of its Operation Guardian scheme. 

In communication sent to stores, seen by Better Retailing, the National Lottery operator stated the visits would test compliance in several areas. 

These include 8,000 visits to check staff knowledge, 4,298 visits involving underage sale checks and 4,000 visits to ensure stores weren’t exceeding the limit of more than 10 scratchcards sold in single transactions. 

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Allwyn said: “In line with Allwyn’s continuing commitment to protecting participants of the National Lottery, Operation Guardian will deliver 16,298 visits across 2025. Due to the success of Knowledge Check in 2024, we will increase the volume in year two, while retaining high levels of mystery-shopper visits. Excessive-play mystery-shopper visits will focus on testing compliance within the scratchcard limit.” 

Tips provided by the company to help retailers ensure they are selling lottery products responsibly included ensuring all staff are up to date with training, recording all staff training and refused sales records, and making sure customers have access to relevant gambling-awareness guides. 

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