Strategies and Protocols to Combat Underage Gambling

Different countries address child gambling with a mix of strict regulations and enforcement measures. In the UK, the Gambling Commission imposes stringent age verification and identification processes to prevent minors from participating in gambling activities. Similarly, Australia enforces robust identity checks and heavy penalties for non-compliance. In the US, states like Nevada and New Jersey have strict age limits and employ advanced technologies for age verification.

A comprehensive and well-known protocol used to tackle this issue is the "Know Your Customer" process. Casino customers must provide valid identification documents, such as a passport or driving licence. These should be verified through various checks to ensure they meet the legal age requirements. Beyond technology, these establishments must train staff to recognise and handle teenage access attempts and maintain clear signage about age restrictions. Also, casinos must stay updated with changing laws and technological advancements to maintain compliance and protect under-18s.

Are Casinos Allowed to Target Underage in Any Way?

Gambling ads that expose those under 18 years and, in some cases, even those under 21 years are illegal. However, there are concerns about whether the betting industry targets underage persons intentionally or unintentionally. While there are stringent laws in place across many jurisdictions to prevent the promotion of gambling to children, various loopholes and challenges persist.

From a legal standpoint, most countries, including the UK, have clear regulations that prohibit gambling advertising directed at individuals below 18 years. However, the challenge of child monitoring, exploiting loopholes, and interpreting what constitutes 'targeting minors' can pose significant difficulties.

One loophole lies in the ambiguity surrounding online betting ads, where platforms may lack robust age verification measures, allowing easy exposure of minors. Also, indirect forms of advertising, such as sponsorships of sports events or celebrity endorsements, can inadvertently reach underage audiences.

Moreover, the digital landscape presents further challenges, as social media platforms and mobile apps may not sufficiently prevent minors from accessing casino ads and content. That raises questions about the responsibility of betting and advertising platforms to ensure that their marketing efforts do not reach youth under 18.

Many jurisdictions explicitly prohibit the use of child-like characters or imagery in gambling advertisements. That's based on the recognition that such imagery can easily attract the attention of children and can normalise gambling from a young age. However, some gambling platforms may attempt to justify the use of such by claiming that it appeals to adults who enjoy nostalgia or whimsical imagery while ignoring the potential impact on minors.

While casinos are interested in attracting new customers, particularly young adults, there's a moral obligation to prioritise child protection and other vulnerable populations. Ethical advertising practices should not exploit or manipulate youngsters into betting!

Understanding the Risks of Underage Gambling

Undoubtedly, children's involvement in betting presents risks with enduring consequences. Its heightened negative impact on children is partially due to minors' psychological vulnerabilities and limited decision-making. A Young People and Gambling Survey in 2023 by Ipsos on behalf of the UKGC revealed that 26% of children aged between 11 and 17 years old had engaged in money gambling activity in the 12 months of the survey.

Statistics reveal a concerning trend, with a notable percentage of adolescents engaging in gambling activities, indicating widespread underage exposure and potential risk. Common types of gambling that entice minors include online gambling, sports betting, and in-game purchases facilitated by lax age verification measures and societal normalisation.

The foremost peril of minor gambling is addiction, leading to severe mental health repercussions, strained relationships, and financial instability. Also, financial peril looms large, as minors may resort to unnecessary borrowing or theft to fund betting needs, paving the way for debt, legal entanglements, and enduring financial insecurity. Desensitising youth to associated gambling risks heightens the likelihood of problem gambling in adulthood as well.

Child gambling manifests in:

• Truancy

• Poor academic performance

• Isolation

• Strained relationships

• Susceptibility to delinquent behaviours

Efforts to mitigate these risks in young people require robust solutions. These include regulatory frameworks, heightened awareness, and digital measures to safeguard vulnerable youth from the dangers of underage gambling. In turn, this ensures their well-being and fosters responsible societal attitudes towards gambling.

What are the Signs of Betting in Children?

While money gaming may seem like an adult activity, children increasingly explore this world, often with detrimental consequences. Recognising that your child may be involved in casino activities is essential for early protection and support. Being aware of crucial signs can help protect children from its harmful effects. These include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour

• Unexplained financial issues

• Academic and social problems

• Preoccupation with gambling

• Habits of borrowing or stealing money

• Unexplained possession of gambling-related items

• Changes in mood or declining mental health

However, promptly addressing these issues through strategies such as open communication, seeking professional help, and providing support are crucial in helping your child overcome and regain control of their life.

Safeguarding Minors Against Online Gambling

Protecting your kids from betting is crucial due to the significant and potentially devastating consequences of early exposure to persons under 18 years of age regarding mental health, academic and social development, financial security, and overall well-being. Here are crucial strategies to employ:

• Open communication: Foster open discussions about the dangers of online gambling and encourage them to discuss their online experiences.

• Parental controls: Utilise parental control software and set up age-appropriate content filters to block access to gambling websites and apps.

• Education and awareness: Educate youth about the risks associated with gambling and empower them to critically evaluate online content to help prevent them from falling prey to gambling temptations.

• Monitoring online activity: Regularly check the browsing history and app usage to identify any signs of gambling.

• Setting boundaries: Establish clear rules regarding internet usage, including time limits and approved websites, to reduce exposure to gambling platforms.

• Engaging with schools: Collaborate with schools to incorporate online safety and gambling awareness into the curriculum, ensuring children receive consistent messages about the risks.

• Government and regulatory actions: Support and advocate for stronger regulations on online gambling, including stringent age verification processes and restrictions on gambling advertisements targeting minors.

Such protective measures help shield the younger generation from online gambling while ensuring a safer and healthier digital environment for your child.

Website-Blocking Software and Apps

One of the main avenues for youth to access gambling is through digital platforms. Hence, parents, responsible citizens and organisations, and authorities must implement strategic internet-related measures to protect children and youth under 18 from these risks. Website-blocking software and apps are essential in this endeavour, as they help to restrict child access to specific websites and online content.

This helps the risk of children encountering gambling sites while online. These tools offer customisable controls, monitoring and reporting features. Ease of use makes them highly effective in creating a safer online environment for young individuals. The best website-blocking software suitable for protecting children from gambling includes:

Cyber Patrol

Cyber Patrol is an internet filtering software with diverse applications that block access to deemed harmful websites and restrict messaging and access to damaging images. It offers parental controls effective at protecting children from accessing gambling websites while also monitoring internet activity and limiting online time. Depending on your children's needs, you can customise Cyber Patrol's filters to align with each user.

• Website: https://www.cyberpatrol.com/

• Supports: Android, Windows and Mac 

Net Nanny

While most parental control software uses basic filtering methods, Net Nanny employs modern content detection technology to explore every web page your child searches, visits or clicks on. Net Nanny features an 18-category filter to protect minors from viewing adult content. It can mask vulgar language, limit screen time, and block specific apps and websites. Alerts about children's online activity are also available.

• Website: https://www.netnanny.com/ 

• Supports: Android, Windows and Mac 

Cyber Sitter

Cyber Sitter is a content recognition tool that limits children's access to targeted websites, including gambling sites. It offers pretty decent parental filters for online gambling access. The program filters search attempts and websites using a default list or user-defined keywords.

• Website: https://cybersitter.27labs.com/

• Supports: Android, Windows and Mac 

Qustodio

Qustodio provides reliable parental control features, from screen time tracking to SMS monitoring, videos, images, and offline apps. It protects minors from unwanted games and apps, monitors children's searches, filters and blocks inappropriate sites, and limits access to certain games. It also provides alerts for attempted access to blocked content.

• Website: https://www.qustodio.com/en/

• Supports: Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Kindle

Kidlogger

Kidlogger is highly compatible with most operating systems. It offers a wide range of control regarding monitoring, blocking, and spying capabilities. It can reveal the content your kids access and effectively manages and oversees children's internet activity.

• Website: https://kidlogger.net/

• Supports: Android, Windows and Mac 

Gamblock

Gamblock is a specialised tool that blocks access to gambling sites and content. It is effective in restricting gambling-related sites and apps, making it very helpful in gambling recovery centres and for individuals seeking to avoid gambling activities. Also, the software effectively prevents access to gambling sites, thereby helping minors access social sites without the risk of exposure to gambling-related ads or content. That helps effectively exclude online gambling from your kid's online interactions.

• Website: https://www.gamblock.com/

• Supports: Android, Windows and Mac