Protecting minors: what the law puts on operators and parents

Protecting minors: what the law puts on operators and parents

Preventing underage gambling is a critical responsibility shared between gambling operators and parents or guardians. While the legal minimum ages for gambling vary by jurisdiction and type of activity, the core principle is clear: minors must be prevented from accessing and participating in gambling. This article explores the measures that operators are legally required to implement, as well as the steps parents and guardians can take to protect minors from the risks of gambling.

Operator responsibilities: age verification and Know Your Customer (KYC)

Gambling operators are legally obligated to verify the age of their customers and ensure that minors are not able to gamble. This process, known as Know Your Customer (KYC), is a fundamental part of regulatory compliance. Operators must implement robust age verification systems to confirm that customers are of legal age before allowing them to gamble.

For example, in the United Kingdom, the Gambling Act 2005 mandates that operators must verify the age of customers before they can deposit funds, gamble, or access free-to-play games that simulate gambling. This is enforced by the Gambling Commission, which has the power to impose significant fines and revoke licenses if operators fail to comply.

In the United States, the specific requirements vary by state. For instance, in New Jersey, operators must verify the age of customers before they can create an account or place a bet. This is enforced by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, which requires operators to use reliable and independent data sources to confirm customer identities and ages. For more detailed information on age requirements by state, visit our sports betting age by state guide.

Operators are also required to implement measures to prevent minors from accessing their platforms. This includes using age verification software, monitoring customer behavior for signs of underage gambling, and providing clear and prominent warnings about the legal age requirements for gambling.

Marketing restrictions and responsible advertising

In addition to age verification, operators are subject to strict rules regarding the marketing of gambling products. In the UK, the Gambling Commission prohibits operators from targeting minors with advertising. This includes restrictions on the use of celebrities, social media influencers, and cartoon characters that may appeal to young people.

In the US, advertising regulations vary by state. However, the general principle is that gambling advertising should not be aimed at minors. For example, in Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Control Board requires that all gambling advertisements include a statement of the legal age requirement for gambling.

Operators are also expected to promote responsible gambling and provide information on how to gamble responsibly. This includes providing links to support services and self-exclusion programs, which allow individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities.

Parental and guardian responsibilities: device and payment controls

While operators are responsible for implementing age verification and marketing restrictions, parents and guardians also play a crucial role in protecting minors from gambling. There are several steps that parents and guardians can take to prevent minors from accessing gambling platforms:

• Device controls: Parents can use parental control software to block access to gambling websites and apps. This includes setting up filters on web browsers and using app store restrictions to prevent the download of gambling apps. For more information on device controls, visit our protection page.
• Payment controls: Parents can monitor and control their children’s spending by using payment controls. This includes setting up alerts for transactions and using prepaid cards with limited balances. This can help prevent minors from using their parents’ payment methods to gamble online.
• App store restrictions: Parents can use app store restrictions to prevent the download of gambling apps. This includes setting up age restrictions and using parental control features to block inappropriate content.
• Conversations: Open and honest conversations with children about the risks of gambling are essential. Parents should educate their children about the legal age requirements for gambling and the potential risks associated with gambling, including the risk of addiction. For guidance on how to talk to children about gambling, visit our help page.

Gambling-like features in games: an emerging concern

An emerging concern in the realm of underage gambling is the presence of gambling-like features in video games, particularly the use of loot boxes. Loot boxes are virtual items that can be purchased with real money and contain randomized rewards, such as in-game items or upgrades. The randomized nature of loot boxes has led to concerns that they mimic the characteristics of gambling.

While loot boxes are not currently classified as gambling in most jurisdictions, there is growing pressure to regulate them due to their potential to encourage gambling behavior among minors. In response, some game developers have begun to disclose the odds of receiving certain items from loot boxes, and some countries have introduced age restrictions or bans on loot boxes.

Parents and guardians should be aware of the presence of loot boxes in games and consider the potential risks they pose to minors. For more information on gambling-like features in games, visit our glossary page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the legal age for gambling in the UK?

The legal age for all forms of gambling in the UK is 18 years old. This includes sports betting, casino games, and lottery tickets. For more information, visit our ages page.

What is the legal age for gambling in the US?

The legal age for gambling in the US varies by state and type of activity. In most states, the legal age for casino gambling is 21, while the legal age for sports betting and lottery tickets is typically 18. For detailed information by state, visit our sports betting age by state and casino gambling age by state guides.

What can parents do to protect their children from gambling?

Parents can use parental control software, payment controls, and app store restrictions to prevent minors from accessing gambling platforms. They can also have open conversations with their children about the risks of gambling and educate them about the legal age requirements. For more guidance, visit our protection page.

What should I do if I suspect a minor is gambling?

If you suspect that a minor is gambling, you should contact the operator of the gambling platform to report your concerns. You can also seek advice and support from organizations such as the National Gambling Helpline.

If gambling is causing harm, free confidential help is available — /help/.