In order to better understand the habits of underage gamblers who play the UK's national lottery, the National Lottery Commission has enlisted the aid of research group Ipsos MORI, who will gather information for an in-depth study.

"The major study is designed around the underage play of the National Lottery," said the swiss-press.com.

"The study will also provide a much expanded survey of the gambling preferences of the 12 to 15 youth demographic."

Results from a similar study done in 2006 will also be used in relation to the current study.

"Salford University is providing the technical and academic portion of the survey and will sample a group of almost 9,000 youth to measure levels of underage lottery play," swiss-press said.

"Under the National Lottery Regulations, sales of National Lottery products to persons under 16 years of age are illegal."