Talking to Kids about Online Gambling

Underage Wagering

By Sharon Miller Cindrich

Q: I’ve heard that kids are gambling on the Internet. Isn’t that illegal?

Gambling is indeed illegal for kids, and every state prohibits minors from gambling. Yet, according to the Federal Trade Commission, it's easy for kids to access gambling sites online. While most gambling sites require users to be a legal adult, kids can easily lie about their names and ages and use a parent’s credit card to participate in online gambling. Making matters even more tempting, some of the most popular non-gambling Web sites carry advertisements that link directly to gambling venues.

A family conversation on the subject is the best way to educate your children on the dangers of online gambling, including these important points:

There's no payoff.
Online gambling businesses make more money than they pay out. Even if a child wins, most sites have very stringent payout verification policies and are not required to pay out winnings to a minor.

Credit ratings are also at risk.
If kids rack up debt online, they could hurt their credit rating - or a parent’s rating, if they use a parent’s credit card. Bad credit can count against anyone buying a car, getting a student loan or even getting a job.

Gambling is addictive.
Gambling in social isolation and using credit to gamble may be risk factors for developing gambling problems. Watch for signs that kids are sneaky about online activities, accessing the Web at night or spending lots of time online alone.

Concerned your child is gambling? Visit gamblersanonymous.org or gam-anon.org to learn more.

Sharon Miller Cindrich is a mother of two and the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with Your Tech-Savvy Kids.