How minors are being exposed to gambling before it’s legal

Gambling as an industry is growing at a rapid speed. Pulling in new users and opening themselves up to new sports and territories. As an industry, this is terrific news, but the big issue facing the sector is underage users. Many gambling sites are strictly either 18 or older or 21 and older, but this does not prevent minors from finding their way onto these platforms. It’s a massive problem for the industry, and for them to be able to fix it and for parents to prevent their children from gaining access to these sites, they need to know how minors come across this industry as the “how old do you have to be to gamble” question appears to be being sidestepped in some areas.

Below, we will take a look at some ways minors get exposed to gambling.

Where do minors get exposed to gambling?

To prevent minors from gaining access to gambling sites or from developing the mindset to want to gamble, there needs to be an understanding of how they find this content. In the 21st century, there is no shortage of ways for minors to see gambling content, but below, we will take a look at a few.

1. Social media: One of the primary ways minors learn about gambling is through social media. Gambling sites are always advertising on social media, so a minor may look through their normal content and see an advertisement for a new gambling site pop up.

Aside from that, some influencers they follow may talk about gambling because they have sponsorships and could provide links to sites or blogs.

It can even be accidental, as the algorithm on social media platforms may funnel gambling content toward them.

2. Video games: In an attempt to be more realistic, video games will copy real-life scenarios in their gameplay. Games like GTA, Fallout, or Sims have a casino as a location or have mini-games where players can play casino games. This mini-game or location could lead a minor to explore the gambling world further.
3. Sports games: Gambling sites and casinos do their best to reach their audience wherever possible. Sports betting is a form of gambling that has been rising in popularity recently as more states legalize it, and advertising during a sports game is the best way to reach someone who will bet on sports.

Whether a minor is watching cricket or basketball, they will likely see advertising for gambling sites.

This advertisement also occurs if the minor physically goes to a sporting event. Companies may have booths looking to spread the word on their site; they may have posters dotted through the arena. Sports, whether on TV or in person, are increasingly inundated with gambling images.

4. Adults: Adults are free to gamble as they please, but minors are always aware of what they do and learn from them. They may see adults playing poker or gambling on sports teams in their free time. Leading them to emulate the same activities.  

What are the dangers of minors’ exposure to gambling?

The primary reason that minors should not learn about gambling is it may encourage them to register for gambling sites illegally. The minimum age is there for a reason and if you need further guidance, read this comprehensive guide on how old you have to be to gamble to find out more.

However, it may also create this false understanding of gambling. Most advertisements highlight the good aspects of gambling, such as winning a lot of money or socializing with many people. All are possible occurrences for people who gamble, but what these video games and advertisements do not show is the other side of gambling. These people suffer from gambling addiction or the real possibility of losing a lot of money.

These avenues to which minors learn about gambling do not teach people how to be responsible when gambling or how to avoid getting addicted. So these minors then grow into adulthood having the wrong idea about gambling and lose all their money or fall into the clutches of addiction.

Conclusion

Across all gambling sites, the rules and regulations are minors are not allowed to participate. This restriction is because gambling is an adult activity on account of all the possible risks associated with it. However, minors are being exposed to gambling daily. Whether through video games, social media, or watching their favorite sports event.

They get bombarded with this rosy image of gambling and either find their way into the industry at an early age or develop a wrong mindset toward gambling that they take into adulthood.

Gambling in itself is not bad, but minors have to be protected from this content. Not led to believe that a simple lever pull on a slot machine will lead to untold riches.