Protecting minors: what the law puts on operators and parents

Protecting minors: what the law puts on operators and parents

Protecting minors from gambling is a shared responsibility between operators and parents/guardians. Operators must verify ages, enforce strict Know Your Customer (KYC) policies, and comply with marketing restrictions to prevent underage access. Parents and guardians can use device controls, payment restrictions, and app-store settings to block access. Both parties play crucial roles in minimizing underage gambling and its associated risks.

Key takeaways

• Operators are legally required to verify the age of their customers and block minors from accessing gambling services.
• Parents and guardians can use device controls, payment restrictions, and app-store settings to prevent minors from accessing gambling platforms.
• Gambling-like features in games, such as loot boxes, are an emerging concern and may require similar age verification measures.
• Both operators and parents/guardians must stay informed about the latest regulations and tools to protect minors effectively.
• Free confidential help is available for those affected by gambling issues. Learn more.

Legal requirements for operators

Operators are legally obligated to implement robust age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing their services. These requirements are enforced by regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission and various state gaming boards in the US.

Age verification and KYC

Operators must verify the age and identity of their customers before allowing them to gamble. This process, known as Know Your Customer (KYC), involves collecting and verifying personal information. For example, in the UK, the Gambling Act 2005, Part 4 mandates that operators verify the age of their customers before allowing them to deposit funds or gamble. In the US, the specific age requirements vary by state. For instance, in New Jersey, the legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, while in Wyoming, it is 18 for sports betting.

Marketing restrictions

Operators are also required to adhere to strict marketing regulations to ensure that their advertisements do not target minors. This includes avoiding the use of cartoon characters, celebrities popular with children, and other elements that could appeal to underage individuals. In the UK, the Gambling Act 2005 prohibits the use of such tactics in gambling advertisements.

Parental and guardian responsibilities

While operators are responsible for implementing age verification measures, parents and guardians also play a crucial role in protecting minors from gambling. There are several steps they can take to prevent underage access to gambling platforms.

Device and payment controls

Parents and guardians can use device-level controls to block access to gambling websites and apps. This includes setting up parental controls on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Additionally, they can use payment controls to prevent minors from using their credit or debit cards for gambling transactions. For example, they can set up alerts for any online transactions or use prepaid cards with limited balances.

App-store restrictions

App stores such as the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have their own age restrictions and parental control settings. Parents and guardians can use these settings to block access to gambling apps. For instance, they can set up a family account that allows them to control which apps their children can download and use.

Conversations and education

Having open and honest conversations with minors about the risks of gambling is crucial. Parents and guardians should educate their children about the potential consequences of gambling, such as financial loss, addiction, and legal issues. They should also encourage their children to speak up if they encounter any gambling-related content or offers.

Gambling-like features in games

One emerging concern is the presence of gambling-like features in video games, such as loot boxes. These features allow players to purchase in-game items with real money, often with a randomized outcome. This has raised concerns about the potential for minors to be exposed to gambling-like experiences.

Regulatory response

In response to these concerns, some countries have begun to regulate loot boxes and other gambling-like features in games. For example, the UK Gambling Commission has stated that loot boxes do not fall under its regulatory remit, but it is monitoring the situation closely. In the US, some states are considering similar measures to regulate these features.

Parental awareness

Parents and guardians should be aware of the gambling-like features in games and take steps to protect their children. This includes setting up parental controls on gaming platforms and having conversations with their children about the potential risks of these features.

How to check the current rule

To ensure compliance with the latest regulations, operators and parents/guardians should regularly check the rules and guidelines set by the relevant regulatory bodies. This includes:

• Reviewing the terms and conditions of gambling platforms and apps.
• Consulting the sports betting age by state and casino gambling age by state guides for specific age requirements.
• Staying informed about any updates or changes to gambling regulations by subscribing to newsletters or following the social media accounts of regulatory bodies.
• Using resources such as the protection and FAQ sections on this site for more information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the legal gambling age in the UK?

The legal gambling age in the UK is 18 for all forms of gambling, including sports betting, casino games, and the lottery. This is enforced by the UK Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005.

What is the legal gambling age in the US?

The legal gambling age in the US varies by state and type of gambling. For example, in New Jersey, the legal age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, while in Wyoming, it is 18 for sports betting. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the sports betting age by state and casino gambling age by state guides.

How do operators verify the age of their customers?

Operators use a variety of methods to verify the age and identity of their customers, including requesting identification documents, using third-party verification services, and implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

What can parents do to prevent underage gambling?

Parents and guardians can use device controls, payment restrictions, and app-store settings to block access to gambling platforms. They can also have conversations with their children about the risks of gambling and educate them about the potential consequences.

Are loot boxes considered gambling?

The classification of loot boxes as gambling varies by country. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has stated that loot boxes do not fall under its regulatory remit, but it is monitoring the situation closely. In the US, some states are considering measures to regulate these features.

If gambling is causing harm, free confidential help is available

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, it is important to seek help. Free confidential help is available from various organizations. For more information, visit our help section.