Gambling Laws Concerning Children

Statistically there are one in ten of our children who are addicted to gambling in one of its many guises. This could be as a result of playing games such as poker online or indeed using so-called ‘slot machines’ in arcades.

However this addiction comes about it can be costly in both terms of money and in terms of the child’s overall behaviour and ability to differentiate between right and wrong.

Such addictions bring with them bad behaviour, disrespect to their peers and also a heightened sense of a need for money which inevitably results in theft in order to fuel the addiction.

Gaming Machines in Public Places

The use of gaming machines in public places is allowed but legislation in place dictates the age of those individuals using such machines. Although there is no upper age limit it is suggested that no one under the age of thirteen use such games. In certain areas it is perfectly legal for children of any age to use these machines whilst in others the Local Authorities have issued strong warnings to those proprietors who have ‘slot machines’ on their premises.

Online Gaming

Online gaming – it has to be said – is the next big thing be it role playing games or the now ever popular casino-style games.

Such games offer amazing cash prizes for the lucky winner and this can be something of an enticement for a child or young teenager.

In addition such gaming websites offer free play in order to encourage people to join their sites but once this free play has expired a fee must be paid or money put into an online ‘account’ so that they can continue to play.

Nearly all of these sites are for over eighteens only but it is worth noting that some teenagers are resourceful and lie about not only their age but also use credit and debit card details belonging to their parents or other family members.

It is a breach of the Gambling Act to allow any minor to engage in any such online gaming activities as well as to allow them to gamble using ‘slot machines’ or ‘Fixed Tote Machines’ and as such prosecution for a failure to properly police this law can result in hefty fines, the cost of which are imposed according to the magistrate overseeing the hearing.

Signs and Symptoms of Gambling

It is worth pointing out also that children who gamble are more likely to play truant from school than those children who simply do not attend school. Gambling and truancy seem to go hand in hand and the results of which are that children not attending school tend to become involved in anti-social behaviour or petty crime in order to gain money to feed their addictions.

It is again worth noting that your child will exhibit specific behavioural changes if he or she is engaging in gambling activities.

They may become withdrawn, anxious, agitated, and as we have already pointed out they may play truant from school or become involved with other individuals who may also engage in similar practices.

If you have an Internet connection at home then it is worth while putting a filter in place which prevents the viewing of such online gaming sites and may also reduce your child’s chances of being introduced to advertisements for such sites.

In addition you should contact your local authority for information on what laws they have in place especially if you feel that your child has become the unwilling victim of gambling.