The rise of underage gambling in the UK

This allowed the included studies, both controlled intervention studies and single-arm studies, to be evaluated for risk of bias. A systematic review of quantitative studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies, was conducted. This systematic review was implemented in accordance with the standards of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 31,32. We also know that when young teens experiment with alcohol, substances and vaping, they put themselves at a higher risk for addiction later in life. They work closely with Cantonese children in and around Camden as well with other Chinese Churches in West London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow and Kingston to provide the necessary aid and protection. That’s effectively what gambling is, you’re putting a stake forward and hoping for something good, but it’s not guaranteed.

Infringements against or disregard for age restrictions appear more common among males (64). Limited research exists on the effectiveness of age restrictions on youth gambling, despite theoretical support (55). While age restrictions may prevent problem gambling or related harms (56–58), their effectiveness have largely been untested.

Finally, the number of studies conducted on Spanish samples is scarce 37,38,39, and the first was only published in 2020. The issue of underage gambling prevention is one of paramount importance in today’s society. As gambling opportunities continue to proliferate both online and offline, the risk of young individuals engaging in gambling activities has become a growing concern. Additionally, interventions should emphasize the importance of seeking help and support if experiencing gambling-related problems or concerns. By intervening early and providing education about responsible gaming, we can empower young people to make healthy choices and reduce their vulnerability to developing gambling-related issues later in life. Collaboration between schools, parents, community organizations, and government agencies is essential to ensuring the effectiveness and reach of these prevention efforts.

It is estimated that between 0.1 and 3.4% of the population of Europe, and between 0.1 and 5.8% of the worldwide population engage in problem gambling behavior 2. Additionally, in 2020, 64.2% of the Spanish population admitted to having gambled at least once in the last 12 months 3. This makes it extremely attractive to adolescents and young adults, with a very limited or nonexistent income. That’s why it’s vital that parents and other adult caregivers know that gambling is not only illegal for teens, but it can also be harmful and addictive to their developing brains. Research shows that children introduced to “harmless betting” by age 12 are four times more likely to engage in problem gambling later. A teen’s brain, with an underdeveloped logic center, isn’t wired yet to weigh risk and make healthy choices.

• Strengthening laws and regulations to protect minors from gambling and ensuring robust enforcement is necessary.
• No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
• Minors experience when playing sports or online games, so they will feel it when gambling.
• A convergence between gambling and videogaming platforms may facilitate behavioral involvement across networks and consoles, providing robust access to gambling-like activities (21).

By understanding these elements, stakeholders can better protect young individuals from the dangers of gambling. The Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP) contains sector-specific requirements as regards preventing underage gambling. Gambling ‘N Go can be the go-to place for beginners as well as for experts, for finding out all sorts of relevant information on online gambling, guides, reviews, top betting games, and the list goes on. Oleksandra is an experienced iGaming expert and fact-checker known for her sharp analytical skills and commitment to transparency.

Also known as Know Your Customer, KYC procedures require the site to verify the age and identity of its users when they sign up. Often, this involves steps like providing your SSN, or sending a copy of your passport or driving license. KYC procedures also involve monitoring erratic betting patterns and other anomalies that can expose underage gamblers. MC serves on the advisory board of a veteran-serving organization focusing on video games and mental health. She is the CEO and founder of Gaming and Wellness Association, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to research and education about healthy video game play. NT has received funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, and Gambling Research Exchange.

For example, some in-game items (even non-game-enhancing, cosmetic ones) may be exchanged for significant real-world money (46). Loot boxes, skins, and other random-chance features are considered to have similarities to gambling. These are found in games deemed suitable for youth as young as 8-years-old (47). Among the top 100 grossing videogames, loot boxes were prevalent, especially on mobile platforms, with these videogames often available to children 12 years or older (48). Online platforms implement robust age verification systems to ensure compliance with legal age requirements.

Educate children about the dangers of gambling

Perhaps the most concerning trend is the rise of online crypto casinos that require no identity verification whatsoever. Players can simply sign up with an email address, deposit cryptocurrency, and start gambling — anonymously. By the time KYC is triggered, a minor may have already lost money, experienced gambling-related harm, or developed unhealthy habits. This rapid increase signals that youth access to online gambling is becoming more normalized across Europe.

Healthy Gambling Behaviors

The state has specific regulations for both online and in-person wagering. Underage gambling laws are designed to prevent individuals below a certain age from participating in gambling activities. Sports betting and casino gambling are particularly concerning, as they are highly accessible and appealing to young people.

Our automated instant identity verification is based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. With advertisements for these events and betting everywhere, it’s hard to ignore and easy to get drawn in. This is also amplified by gaps in verification, such as a grace period that allows users to place bets for a limited time before submitting verification. khelo24 1Loot boxes are videogame features (often in the shape of a box) available in many game genres that one can find or purchase. They often contain a seemingly random mix of items, ranging from common to rare items.

This includes setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and providing resources and support for those who may be developing a gambling addiction. While these measures protect everyone, not just underage gamblers, they are useful in uncovering vulnerable young people who have managed to access adult gambling sites. Enforcement of harm reduction measures related to online gambling varies.