Luke Littler might be the newly-crowned world champion, but the teenage sensation still can’t walk into a UK shop and buy his own darts.
Research from Investment platform Saxo has pointed out that retailers face a fine of up to £5,000 if they sell a set of darts to Littler.
It’s deemed illegal for the teenager to buy a set of darts because they are classed as age-restricted items like knives under legislation in the UK.
Their regarded as a potentially dangerous item and it is illegal for anybody under the age of 18 to buy a set of darts.
Luke Littler turns 18 later this month
REUTERS
Fortunately for Littler, he won’t have to worry as manufacturer Target provide him with a specially made set.
And the recently-crowned world champion will be able to buy his own in store soon enough when he turns 18 on January 21.
The teen sensation could be set for a huge splurge on the landmark birthday after picking up £500,000 from his World Championship win.
Littler has amassed more than £1million in prize money since making his professional debut little over 12 months ago.
And he revealed this week that he’ll likely spend a portion of his winnings on driving lessons and some new wheels too.
“I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class – just a small car,” he said.
“Last year I was looking at driving and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I’ve gone up in the world just a little!
“I haven’t had driving lessons yet because it’s been so hectic, but I’m going to have to do it before I get into my twenties when it’ll be too late and I can’t be bothered.”
But Dan Squires, Chief Commercial Officer at investment platform Saxo, has also pointed out that Littler could secure financial freedom for the rest of his life by putting his money away.
Luke Littler will be able to buy his own darts in a store when he turns 18
REUTERS
“Luke Littler’s whirlwind of a year has seen his earnings skyrocket, tipping him over the £1 million mark before his 18th birthday,” he said.
“Under 18s have a tax-free ISA allowance of £9,000, which means he wouldn’t pay tax on any interest, dividends or profits made from investments made through an ISA account.
“From his 18th birthday, this allowance shoots up to £20,000, so he should be maximizing his ISA allowance.
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“Turning 18 [this] month, he’s now in a position to think about a variety of financial options, including investing and saving for his future.
“If he invested half of his career earnings today, or £500,000, into an index fund returning seven per cent annually, he would earn £36,145.04 in interest in the first year alone, around the same amount Brits earn on average each year working a full time job.
“If he leaves that £500k into the same fund for his retirement, at age 65, he would have £13,293,751.87 without ever throwing another dart again.”