Underage Gambling Prevention

Underage gambling refers to individuals below the legal age partaking in gambling activities. In South Africa, the legal age for gambling is 18 years old. This applies to all forms of gambling, whether it's betting on sports events, playing casino games, purchasing lottery tickets, or engaging in online gambling platforms.

The National Gambling Act of 2004 and other related regulations in South Africa are in place to ensure responsible gambling and prevent minors from accessing gambling activities. These laws are enforced by the National Gambling Board.

Businesses and gambling venues in South Africa that allow minors to gamble or even enter their premises can face severe penalties, including hefty fines or the revocation of their operating licenses. Similarly, parents or guardians who allow their children to gamble can also face penalties.

The rationale for these regulations is to protect young individuals from the potential harmful effects of gambling. This can include developing a gambling addiction, facing financial hardships, and experiencing negative impacts on their mental health and well-being.

Preventing minors from accessing your betting accounts is crucial not only for ethical reasons but also to stay in compliance with laws and regulations. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that minors do not access your betting accounts:

🔐 Strong Passwords

Ensure that your betting account password is strong, unique, and not easily guessable. Do not share this password with anyone, especially minors. Regularly change your passwords to ensure ongoing security.

🔐 Password Managers

Use a reputable password manager to store your passwords securely. This ensures you can have a complex password without needing to remember it, reducing the risk of someone else accessing the account.

🔐 Logout After Use

Always log out of your betting account after you are finished using it, especially if you are accessing it from a shared or public computer.

🔐 Secure Your Devices

Use PINs, biometric locks, or strong passwords on all devices that have access to your betting accounts. This includes phones, tablets, and computers.

🔐 Educate Your Family

Talk to your family members, especially minors, about the importance of responsible gambling and the dangers associated with underage gambling. Make sure they understand why they shouldn't access betting sites.

🔐 Monitor Your Account

Regularly check your betting account for any suspicious activity. If you find any bets or transactions you did not authorize, contact the betting site immediately.

🔐 Two-Factor Authentication

If the betting site offers it, enable two-factor authentication. This provides an additional layer of security, as it requires a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password to log in.

Here are the signs your child may be gambling online or buying scratchcards and lotto tickets:

• Unexplained Money or Valuables

• Sudden Financial Problems

• Spending More Time Online

• Secrecy and Privacy

• Withdrawal from Social Activities

• Change in Academic Performance

• Loss of Interest in Hobbies

• Unusual Enthusiasm for Gambling-Related Topics

• Access to Credit Cards or Online Payment Methods

• Change in Sleep Patterns

• Emotional Changes

• Missing Personal Items

• Frequent Requests for Money

• Evidence of Betting Slips or Lottery Tickets

• Unexplained Online Transactions

It's much easier to educate your children about the dangers of problem gambling and gambling addiction than it will be to stop an existing bad habit. Make sure that you explain the legal, social, and mental impact that underaged gambling can have. 

If you have a child with gambling problems, seek professional help from Responsible Gambling South Africa.

ℹ️ Casino Association of South Africa (CASA)

ℹ️ A Profile of Youth Gambling in South Africa (National Gambling Board)